Keeping your space

City traffic congestion can be a real challenge for many motorists. And, for motorists to drive safely, they must ensure adequate space is between them and other road users.

"In any traffic environment, maintaining an adequate distance has many advantages," said Kenute Hare, director at the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Works.

The traffic boss said the advantages include the driver seeing clearly ahead and has reasonable time to respond to any eventualities.

A practical method to use is the "two-second following distance". It involves a driver delaying his or her acceleration at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front.

It is important to note that although the two-second rule works under normal conditions, drivers should increase the distance to three or more seconds if the need arises.

Some of the reasons to increase distance:

1. If the vehicle ahead is moving too slowly; this oftentimes occurs when the driver in front is learning;

2. when the traction on the vehicle is very poor;

3. if the vehicle ahead is a trailer or pulling a heavy load;

4. if you are going downhill.

- Paul Messam