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ARE YOU FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE?
Considering the increased number of vehicles on our roadways
today, the amount of available lane space has certainly
diminished. Drivers need to be more diligent of their
surroundings to avoid being involved in a traffic accident. In
2001, 10% of all reported traffic collisions in Keizer involved
drivers following other vehicles too closely. This figure
does not include accidents that are never reported to police.
The Oregon Driver’s Manual estimates the number one cause of
vehicle collisions is following too closely. Drivers should
always be mindful of reasonable following distances behind other
cars. This allows the driver a better view of the roadway
ahead and provides the necessary reaction and stopping distances
required for braking. Many cases of road rage incidents
result from tailgating other drivers. Nationally, driver
education programs define a safe following distance anywhere
from two to four seconds in order for vehicles to share the
roadway safely. You should use this method to determine a
reasonable following distance: count the number of seconds for
your car to pass the same stationary object the vehicle you are
following just did. You are following too closely if you
reach the same object before you are finished counting at least
two elapsed seconds. Here is why: A vehicle proceeding
at 35 MPH is traveling 51 feet per second. It takes the
average driver about 1.5 seconds to react and begin to apply the
brakes. During this time, the vehicle will travel 77 feet.
How far back were you following the other car? Two
carlengths (30 feet) isn’t going to work. Once the vehicle
begins to slow, it takes 54 more feet for the car to come to a
complete stop on dry asphalt. It’s fairly easy to realize that
cars don’t just stop on a dime. In fact, it takes the
average driver traveling 35 MPH on dry asphalt 131 feet to come
to a complete stop. Additionally, commercial trucks and
combination vehicles cannot stop as quickly as passenger cars.
There are certain situations requiring even more distance behind
the car you are following such as on slippery roads, during
limited visibility conditions, when carrying loads or towing a
trailer. Oregon law requires drivers to maintain a reasonable
and prudent following distance with due regard for speed, volume
of traffic and condition of the roadway. If you are unable
to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision with another
vehicle, you will likely be at fault. Violation of ORS
811.485, following too closely, carries a base fine amount of
$191. If an accident occurs, the base fine is increased to
$331. Sgt. Lance Inman
Traffic Safety Unit |
