by James Dreamer

Created on: April 13, 2008

Road Safety and Tailgating

Ask any number of drivers at random and almost every one will tell you they do not tailgate. My experience on America's highways, however, tells a different story. I have found more than ninety percent of all drivers are tailgaters, reducing overall road safety substantially. Tailgating is following a vehicle too closely so as not to be able to avoid an accident if the lead vehicle suddenly decelerates.

I believe most drivers think they do not tailgate because they don't understand the biological processes and physical laws involved when driving a car. The biological aspect of driving refers to reaction time. When your eyes see a hazard in your path, your brain must process the images to determine if there is indeed a hazard present. Once your brain determines there is a hazard it must calculate what your body must do to avoid it. At this point your brain must send electrical impulses to the correct muscles in your body so they move in such a way as to circumvent the source of danger. Each step of this process takes time to execute.

Once the biological processes have been completed, the laws of physics must be considered. We all know a vehicle cannot stop immediately upon pressing the brake pedal. When the brakes are applied, the momentum of the vehicle keeps it moving forward. How far forward depends on several variables. The weight of the vehicle, the tire size, the road surface, and the quality of the brakes themselves all affect how quickly a car can come to a full stop after the brakes are utilized. In other words, the process of stopping takes time.

This is why, for the sake of road safety, you must keep a substantial distance from the car in front of you. Scientists have evaluated the above processes and have formulated a rule for a safe distance to follow another vehicle. It is the "two second following distance" rule, and here's how it works. When following another vehicle, pick out a stationary object such as a pothole or a sign. When the back of the vehicle you are following is even with the object, start to count seconds. You should be able to count a full two seconds before the front of your vehicle becomes even with the object. If you cannot, you are tailgating. Adjust your following distance and try again.

This rule applies to most road conditions and an average, healthy driver. However, when circumstances are extraordinarily hazardous, or your driving abilities are impaired in any way, an even greater following distance is recommended. This rule also applies to all speeds as it is self adjusting. At lower speeds, the actual following distance will be shorter while at higher speeds it will be longer. As long as you have the two seconds, you should be safe.

Don't be surprised if you experiment with this rule and find, up until now, you have been a tailgater. Like I said, around ninety percent of American drivers are. That is why a small accident on the interstate turns into a fifty car pile-up. Decrease your chances of a collision and improve your driving skills. Apply the "two second following distance" rule to your driving technique and help increase overall road safety.

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