I’m hopping up on my soapbox to have a bit of a whinge about one of the most annoying and dangerous driving habits.
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That habit is tailgating.
A number of things can instigate this activity and can include impatience, aggression or just poor driving habits.
Well what distance is a safe distance to follow the car in front?
The NRMA advises a 2-3 second gap (4-6 seconds in the wet) from the vehicle in front will ensure you have enough time to react and stop in most emergencies.
Pick a point on the road, watch the car in front pass that point. Then you should be able to count to three before you reach the same spot.
The NRMA also says - The penalty for tailgating is currently a $439 fine and three demerit points.
If you are being tailgated by an aggressive driver, it is in your best interest to not allow tailgaters to indirectly control your speed through intimidation. It is wise to move out of their way by pulling over or turning left, avoid slowing down or flashing your brake lights, as this may escalate the situation to road rage.
Rather than taking matters into your own hands, you can report the driver to police or the business to which the vehicle belongs and appropriate measures of disciplinary action should be taken.
When driving, courtesy is a small but highly valuable asset. Keep it with you at all times and use it to consider others.
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