Keep a Safe Distance
One of the best forms of protection for a driver is space - the distance between you and other vehicles. We do not drive alone on the road. With the increased congestion on the roads, safety distance is an increasingly important measure to be mindful of.
By keeping a safe distance:
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Your view of the road will be improved.
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You are less likely to have to slam on the brakes should the vehicle in front stop suddenly.
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Should you wish to overtake you will be well placed to see when it is safe to do so.
Safety Tips
Pick a landmark on the street - a stoplight, a bridge, a street lamp - and always make sure the vehicle ahead of you passes it at least 2 seconds before you do. Don't glance at your watch, but count 2 seconds as "one thousand, two thousand." This will give you time to react and keep you at a safe distance. This is the vital
2-second rule that will help you avoid troublesome situations and confrontations with other drivers.
Here are a few other tips:
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Leave more space when your vehicle is heavily loaded.
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Leave more space when following smaller, lighter vehicles, such as motorcycles, that can stop more quickly than you.
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Don't drive in any vehicle's blind spots for any longer than you have to on straight roads.
Survey Bites
Findings from 2011 AXA Road Safety Survey:
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Respondents rank tailgating as the 7th most dangerous driving habit (70% of respondents).
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Among the dangerous driving behaviours declared by respondents, 59% of respondents professed to engaged in this offence.
Alert: Tailgating has been the major driver contributory factor in traffic accidents*. Keeping safe distance will reduce accidents.
Check out the AXA Road Safety Survey to get the full picture!
Join AXA in this prevention commitment to make driving on our roads a safe and pleasant experience for all.
Think Safety, Drive Safely!
*Base on the “Driver Contributory Factors by Severity of Accident” statistics reported by the Transport Department
From year 2000 – 2006 table 3.7; from year 2007 – 2008 table 3.8
