As many as 16,000 people are killed every year in the United States because of tailgating, aka following too close. As many as 80% of drivers tailgate every day. The safe distance is determined by the 2-second rule, which I have mentioned many times and in my other Posts on Tailgating.
The safe distance, as mentioned in my Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock post, is determined by the element/weather. Let's go with normal, dry weather and the 2-second rule.
The difference between tailgating and not tailgating is 1-second. At 1-second or less time, behind the car in front of you will not give you time to stop if the driver in front encounters an obstruction and has to slow down or stop quickly.
At 2-seconds, which equals a car length for each 10-mph of speed, should give you the time necessary to react so you don't crash into it. Should . . . if you're paying attention to your driving.
It's only a 1-second difference. If the road is wet and even if you decide to follow the 3-second rule to give you more time to react, do you think your boss will be able to differentiate whether you're 1-second or 2-seconds later to arrive at work, or wherever you're going? I don't think so.
So you're not killed, but maybe you'll be one of the 750,000 who are hospitalized each year due to tailgating accidents, or one of the ones involved in the 2,700,000 accidents?
Is your life worth 1-second of your time? Mine is. That's why I don't tailgate.
Notice: To view the other 10 Posts on Tailgating go to Categories in the right-hand column and click on the link at www.youarestupidif.com.
You Think That One Second Is Worth Your Life
Posted by
csinate
on 3/06/2019
Labels:
Driving Safety,
Tailgating
/
Comments: (0)