Following Distances at Speeds Over 40m.p.h. – Some Useful Advice

It has happened to all drivers, and by the same token, nearly all drivers must have done it. It occurs frequently on faster roads. It’s the cause of many accidents. The slang name for it is “tailgating,” which happens when one driver is following another vehicle far too close to be safe. Bang! You have either joined the vehicle in fronts occupants unexpectedly, or someone behind has joined onto the rear of your vehicle. Either way, you lose.
So, what do you do to reduce the risk of collision? Simply leave a gap of two seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle in front – four seconds in wet or adverse weather. If you are taking Driving Lessons with “Really Good Driving School” in Glasgow, your driving instructor will show you how to time this.

Leaving a separation gap allows you to react if the driver in front slows down suddenly, and means you don’t have to brake so hard that the driver behind – who may be following YOU too close – doesn’t run into your vehicle. On slower roads leave a yard -or metre – for every mile an hour of your speed.

Remember, tailgating does not get you anywhere more quickly, but does increase risk and anxiety for those around.