Confusion over what is a "safe following distance" has QUT [(Queensland University of Technology)] road safety researchers calling for a standardised definition to prevent tailgating.
- Tailgating conclusively linked to rear-end crashes
- Most drivers leave less than a 2 second gap between them and the vehicle in front
- Rear-enders account for one in five Queensland crashes
Dr Sebastien Demmel, from QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety -- Queensland (CARRS-Q), said the results of the study which found 50 per cent of drivers tailgate, was being presented at the 2017 Australasian Road Safety Conference in Perth today.
"This study, for the first time conclusively linked tailgating with rear-end crashes, but we also identified confusion among drivers over what is deemed to be a safe following distance," he said.
"Despite drivers perceiving they are following at a safe distance, our on-road data showed that in reality most don't leave the recommended two to three second gap," he said.
"At some locations 55 per cent of drivers were found to leave less than a two second gap between them and the vehicle in front, and 44 per cent less than a one second [gap]."
A safe following distance is 5 feet. While looking at a smartphone.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Thursday October 12 2017, @10:27PM (2 children)
> because it's much closer to 100%
100% of cars tailgate, even the front one?
/nitpick
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Arik on Thursday October 12 2017, @10:34PM
55% of cars at the time of measurement is believable. The percentage of drivers or cars, who do it on a daily basis is probably higher however. ;)
If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?
(Score: 2) by DECbot on Thursday October 12 2017, @10:53PM
I've seen it on Google Maps, nothing but roundabouts and highway interchanges. I tell you, tailgaters all the way around.
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