RoSPA Advanced Drivers

Answer 15

Can you give four advantages of keeping your distance from the vehicle in front?

15. A high percentage of road accidents are caused by drivers travelling too close to the vehicle in front, often resulting in colliding with the rear of the vehicle you are following.

Four advantages of keeping your distance are:

1. You give yourself more time to react should something unexpected occur.

2. Your view around the vehicle in front is improved considerably, therefore you are aware much earlier of approaching hazards.

3. In stationary traffic, by keeping your distance, if the vehicle in front breaks down or the driver inadvertently engages reverse gear, you have time and distance to move away from the problem.

4. On motorways or other roads where traffic behind you is approaching at faster speeds, you should keep a constant check on your mirrors when pulling up behind a queue of stationary traffic. By keeping your distance behind the queue you can take evasive action should you believe that the following vehicle is not going to stop.

The effect of travelling too close is a lack of view beyond the vehicle that you are following, resulting in late braking when the driver in front reacts to hazards. Reduced stopping distances may result in you colliding with the rear of the vehicle in front, or the vehicle behind you colliding with you.

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