R U 2 CLOSE? Campaign - Will you display a free car sticker?
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:09 amR U 2 CLOSE? Campaign - Will you display a free car sticker?
Members of the volunteer Worcestershire Group of Advanced Motorists often complain that, as they are encouraged to comply with speed limits, they experience a regular problem with the dangerous practice of other drivers following too closely, which is often termed "tailgating".
We believe this indicates a need for general education regarding the minimum safe following distance as in Rule 105 of the Highway Code: "Allow at least a two second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying fast traffic. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and on icy roads increased even further"".
This can be simply measured by noting when the vehicle in front passes any object such as a road sign, by saying "Only a fool breaks the two second rule" which takes about 2 seconds to say. If you reach the marker whilst still speaking you are too close. In wet weather we can add a further phrase "If the weather is poor you should then make it four" to make the total of for seconds.
If other vehicles then overtake and fill the gap it is best to just ease back to a safe distance. These following distances will give a better view, more safety leading to an overall feeling of less stress.
As a reminder to following drivers, the Group has obtained a supply of "RU 2 CLOSE?" front adhesive stickers for rear window use, 11" x 2.8", from Scottish police forces who mounted a joint campaign in the winter of 2005/6.
We are inviting motorists to join in this campaign by displaying the stickers which are free of charge to anyone sending a stamped, addressed envelope (C4 size - large letter with 37p stamp will avoid folding the sticker) to: RU 2 CLOSE?, 20 The Parklands, Droitwich, WR9 7DG.
Members of the volunteer Worcestershire Group of Advanced Motorists often complain that, as they are encouraged to comply with speed limits, they experience a regular problem with the dangerous practice of other drivers following too closely, which is often termed "tailgating".
We believe this indicates a need for general education regarding the minimum safe following distance as in Rule 105 of the Highway Code: "Allow at least a two second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying fast traffic. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and on icy roads increased even further"".
This can be simply measured by noting when the vehicle in front passes any object such as a road sign, by saying "Only a fool breaks the two second rule" which takes about 2 seconds to say. If you reach the marker whilst still speaking you are too close. In wet weather we can add a further phrase "If the weather is poor you should then make it four" to make the total of for seconds.
If other vehicles then overtake and fill the gap it is best to just ease back to a safe distance. These following distances will give a better view, more safety leading to an overall feeling of less stress.
As a reminder to following drivers, the Group has obtained a supply of "RU 2 CLOSE?" front adhesive stickers for rear window use, 11" x 2.8", from Scottish police forces who mounted a joint campaign in the winter of 2005/6.
We are inviting motorists to join in this campaign by displaying the stickers which are free of charge to anyone sending a stamped, addressed envelope (C4 size - large letter with 37p stamp will avoid folding the sticker) to: RU 2 CLOSE?, 20 The Parklands, Droitwich, WR9 7DG.
