Keeping Your Distance: Stay Safe
Do you know how close is too close when following another vehicle?
SmartMotorist.com says you need to allow yourself three seconds to stop safely when driving behind other vehicles. This is appropriate when driving in dry, daylight conditions, also known as ideal conditions.
Things change when traffic is heavier, at night or when there is light rain, snow or fog. In these cases, they recommend doubling your stopping time to six seconds, just to be safe.
You should triple your stopping time to nine seconds when you are driving in heavy snow, in icy weather, in heavy fog or when there is heavy rain.
The majority of rear-end fender benders are caused by vehicles following too closely to the car in front of them.
But what if someone is following you a bit too closely?
SmartMotorist.com advises changing lanes when it is safe to do so or exit the road to allow the other driver to pass you.
The rules also changes when you’re following behind a snow plow. Here are the top three reasons you should use extra caution when following a snow plow according to the Massachusetts Department of Transporation:
- When it’s snowing, visibility can be reduced. Since the road in front of the plow is worse than behind, the snow plow driver may have to stop suddenly to get around stranded vehicles.
- The blade that’s attached to the front of the plow extends out in front of the truck so you may not be able to see where it is safe to move over in front of the plow without running into the plow blade itself.
- Snow plow drivers have a limited field of vision and may not see you as you try to pass.
A little common sense goes a long way when driving in the winter.
If your car is scratched, dented or dinged during the winter, give us a call and we will get you all fixed up, Great Plains Auto Body, 402.334.7100.
