Two Second Rule and Driving Safely
What is the “two second rule”?
The two second rule could save you from an accident while driving out on the busy roads.
Recent Example: It makes me MAD when I see someone doing her makeup in a mirror……while driving! Right on my tail and NO chance of stopping if I had to for any reason. This happened while I was out this afternoon and I was reminded of the Crash for cash scams that happen with increasing frequency. The young lady in the car behind was NOT concentrating on her driving and was speeding up, pulling back, drifting right and left….an accident waiting to happen. Then she overtook and went past a bus on a two lane road….not seeing another bus pull out on the left…..she got away with it….this time.
The Two Second Rule – here is a post written a while ago on this site with a crude diagram that I hoped demonstrated how it works.
The Two Second Rule
Suffice to say that the distances that SHOULD be kept between vehicles in a stream of traffic, is more than you would think. Try it!
The other bi-product of using the two second rule? FAR less stress while driving and that HAS to be a fantastic bonus.
To hell with it – most of that earlier post is now below….just in case you can’t be bothered to click to view…
1. What is the two second rule?
“Only a fool breaks the two second rule.” The time to say that phrase is around two seconds.
The crude example diagram to the right shows the “red car” passing a (strange coloured!) sign; the blue car behind is you. As you see the red car pass the sign start saying the phrase and see where YOU are on passing the sign…..yes it’s a rough and ready method but it works.
If you pass the sign before you finish saying the phrase; PULL BACK, SLOW DOWN! It could save your life and that of others and believe ME, it reduces stress when driving.
Be VERY aware that the stopping distance is a minimum of twice the distance in wet weather – say the phrase twice and just SEE how much distance you need.
2. PULL BACK at the Lights
When you pull up at ANY junction, queue, or hold up on the road, leave space between you and the car in front.
The distance needs to be sufficient to allow:
- the car in front to roll back (by mistake!?) without hitting you.
- It allows space should there be a need to pull out or get out of the way of any incident.
- relieves stress yet again!
- as an added help for other motorists and emergency services – leave space at junctions / gateways to allow traffic to move in and out of the said junction or gateway.
3. LEAVE A SPACE when pulling up behind someone at a junction.
The distance is totally up to you, but you SHOULD be able to see the bottom of the wheels in front as a minimum.
I was told by a police driver: Two Tyres and a Metre of Tarmac….that’s NOT a bad suggestion!
These tips reduce stress and help to save fuel, but it DOES mean a little more discipline of mind!!
Be sure to make a start on any journey just that bit earlier to be sure to allow the marginally longer journey time. I say marginally because the better driving and forward thinking can actually SAVE you time!
But just BE prepared because you can NEVER be sure what the next person is going to do on any roads.
Review the points?
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Decide to make a difference – join the IAM (there are many driver benefits available as well as better driving)
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Plan your journeys better
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Drive considerately.
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Use the two second rule – make it AT LEAST four seconds in wet and difficult conditions…you might be surprised how FAR that actually is! If someone jumps in the space in front, PULL BACK, it could save you a LOT…
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When queueing – LEAVE A SENSIBLE SPACE between you and the car in front: Two Tyres and a Metre of Tarmac
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Click here to see the IAM Organisation website for more information
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Decide to make a difference…….yes – repeated, it COULD save a life!
Dealing with Road Rage
A while ago I drove for an excellent airport transfer company based in Weymouth. Unicorn Courtesy Cars was run by the late Robbie Dunster and it was an excellent job.
On taking the job I was sent a short document discussing road rage.
I think it’s relevant to ALL drivers and as such it’s below in the reader. There is also a download link to allow you to print and send to any youngsters you may have out driving these days.