Monday, February 22, 2010

DefensiveDriving.com’s® Rules of the Road:  Stay Safe - Don’t Tailgate!

So many accidents including multiple car pile-ups could have been avoided if drivers had simply provided enough space between themselves and the car in front of them. Although we were all warned at one time just how important the concept of space between cars is, we oftentimes forget this critical point and tailgate. Providing enough space is one of the most important rules of the road, and if you follow this rule, you can certainly reduce your chances of getting into a serious accident.


To stay safe and not tailgate, apply the two-second rule! If you sign up for a TX defensive driving course, you will surely hear about ways not to tailgate. One strategy is called the two-second rule, simply pace yourself, behind a vehicle for two seconds. For those who have forgotten this important rule: when driving behind a car, pick a specific landmark on the road ahead. Once the car in front of you passes the landmark, begin to count: one one-thousand, two two-thousand, and if you pass the landmark before you finish counting “two two-thousand,” then you are too close to the car in front of you and need to provide more space. This two-second rule can be applied in most circumstances, but when driving in bad weather conditions, two seconds should probably be extended to four or even five second intervals.


Providing enough space between you and the car in front of you will certainly help you to avoid accidents in the future, so be sure to utilize the two-second rule every time you’re out on the road. For more ways to improve your driving skills and stay safe on the roads, sign up for a Texas defensive driving course at DefensiveDriving.com®.