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Safety Distance
- 1/18The definition of safety distance between vehicles.
Safety distance is the space a driver must maintain between their vehicle and the one in front to prevent collisions, especially during sudden braking. The required distance can vary with vehicle speed.
The general cause of most traffic accidents related to safety distance.
Accident statistics indicate that a significant number of traffic accidents occur because drivers fail to maintain enough safety distance, preventing them from stopping in an emergency without collision.
The risk of failing to keep a sufficient safety distance (tailgating).
If the vehicle in front stops unexpectedly, an insufficient safety distance means you won’t be able to stop in time, leading to a collision where you would be considered at fault.
The impact of accelerating on stopping distance.
A vehicle that is accelerating requires a greater distance to come to a complete and gradual stop. This stopping distance increases or decreases based on the vehicle’s speed.
A factor affecting safety distance related to the driver.
The driver’s mental and physical state can influence reaction time and perception, thus affecting the required safety distance.
A factor affecting safety distance related to the road.
The condition of the road surface (e.g., wet, icy, dry) directly impacts tire grip and braking effectiveness, necessitating adjustments to safety distance.
A factor affecting safety distance related to weather.
Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or strong winds reduce visibility and traction, requiring drivers to increase their safety distance.
A factor affecting safety distance related to the motor vehicle.
The mechanical condition of the vehicle, including its brakes and overall maintenance, plays a crucial role in its ability to stop safely, thus affecting the necessary safety distance.
A factor affecting safety distance related to tires.
The condition of the vehicle’s tires, including tread depth and inflation, directly impacts braking performance and grip, influencing the safety distance required.
A factor affecting safety distance related to speed.
Vehicle speed is a primary factor determining stopping distance. Higher speeds necessitate a significantly greater safety distance to allow for a safe stop.
Estimating safety distance using the Counting Method (two seconds).
This method involves counting "one thousand one hundred, one thousand two hundred" after the vehicle in front passes a fixed object. If your vehicle reaches the object before completing the count, your distance is insufficient.
The implication if your vehicle reaches a fixed object before counting two seconds.
Reaching the fixed object before completing the two-second count indicates that your safety distance is too short, putting you at risk of collision.
Safety distance for big vehicles using the Counting Method.
Larger vehicles require a greater safety distance due to their increased mass and longer braking times. They should maintain a three-second gap using the counting method.
Estimating safety distance using the Speedometer half reading method.
This method suggests maintaining a safety distance in meters that is numerically half of your speed in km/h (e.g., 50 meters for 100 km/h).
The definition of ’thinking distance’.
Thinking distance is the distance a vehicle continues to travel from the moment a driver perceives a danger until their foot presses the brake pedal.
The definition of ’braking distance’.
Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brake pedal is pressed until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Combined effect of thinking distance and braking distance.
The total distance required to stop a vehicle from the point of danger perception is the sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance.
Tailgating emergency motor vehicles.
It is prohibited to tailgate emergency vehicles (police, Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), civil defense, ambulance) and a minimum distance of 50 meters must be maintained.