VIDEO: Why it’s important to keep a safe following distance
Adequate following distances enable drivers to adjust in emergency situations and bring their vehicles to a stop safely.
In any weather condition, especially rain – it is of utmost importance that motorists respect the 2-3 second rule or in wet weather conditions, the 5-6 seconds rule. The driver must be at least two or three seconds behind a car to avoid tailgating which usually ends up in accidents.
According to Arrive Alive, adequate following distances enable drivers to adjust in emergency situations and bring their vehicles to a stop safely – time that could mean the difference between life and death.
Following Distances and Road Crashes – Know How to use the 3 Second Rule & Be Safer! https://t.co/EYG7fwaW3W #ThinkSafe #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/NHUsEZMH5g
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 10, 2017
ER24 paramedic, Leo Fourie said most of the accidents is due to tailgating and motorists driving in bumper to bumper traffic. “So when someone does suddenly break there is no time for the next driver to react thus causing an accident and in bumper to bumper situations this can cause a domino effect,” he said.
He suggests that drivers give a three car length space in wet weather so when there is a sudden break, they will have time to react and to evaluate the situation. This will in turn prevent accidents or injuries.
