| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-11-16 08
November 16 -22 - Following Too Close
When following another vehicle in normal conditions, drivers should keep a
minimum two second following distance between vehicles. As road conditions
worsen, drivers should increase their following distance.
To figure out the two second following distance, look at the vehicle in front
of you. When the back of that vehicle passes a fixed object like sign, atree
or a building, start counting. Count one-thousand-and-one,
one-thousand-and-two. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object before
you are finished counting, you are following too close. Slow down and count
once more. The two second rule will work at any speed.
The only exception to this rule involves drivers of large commercial vehicles
who should use a minimum four second following distance in traffic. Remember to give large trucks more space, especially when they are turning or you
are attempting to pass them. An excellent rule when following a large truck
is "If you can not seem the truck driver in his side mirror, he can not see
you".
Between November 16th to 22nd, to help remind drivers of the importance of not
following to close the Medicine Hat Police Service safety messaging trailer
will be displaying the message "Leave a Space, it's not a race - Don't Follow
Too Close".
Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed
on the MHPS safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues thatare of
concern to them are encouraged to log onto the MHPS website at
www.medicinehatpolice.com to provide their input.
For more information please contact:
Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service |
Office of the Chief
