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Tales from the Command Center – Don’t tailgate Our Command Center Service Specialists are tasked with the duty of monitoring our roadways and ensuring that traffic flow is seamless and safe. Every month they witness several traffic incidents that could have been avoided if drivers would have given themselves more reaction time. One way to do this is to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. In other words, don’t tailgate!
During favorable weather conditions, a popular recommendation is that drivers observe a ‘two second rule’ to determine a safe following distance. To determine the correct distance of the two-second rule, a driver should select a fixed object on the road. This driver should pass that object at least two seconds after the vehicle ahead of them. When weather conditions are not favorable, drivers should allow for a greater distance between them and the vehicle ahead of them.
If drivers are a victim of tailgating, they should not brake hard. Deliberately braking hard inflames the situation and may cause an accident. Instead, they should allow the tailgating vehicle to pass them by switching lanes and slightly slowing their speed. It’s safer for all to clear the way rather than become involved in an accident or confrontation.
Safety is paramount at the NTTA. Maintaining a safe following distance and controlling your temper are ways you can help keep the roads you drive safe.
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