Una Distancia de Seguimiento Segura

A Safe Following Distance

Navigating traffic safely is a key aspect of driving. It involves strategic interaction with other drivers to avoid becoming a negative statistic. This entails choosing a clear path, maintaining a safe following distance, and managing tailgaters.

Choosing a Path: To pick a path through traffic, observe the behavior of nearby vehicles and any obstacles in your trajectory. Always aim to keep a buffer zone of at least two seconds between you and other traffic. Scan two seconds ahead for immediate dangers and 10 to 12 seconds further for upcoming hazards.

Following Distance: The “two-second rule” is a guideline for establishing a safe following distance:

1. When the car in front passes a landmark, start counting (“one thousand and one, one thousand and two”).
2. Your vehicle should pass the same landmark no less than two seconds later. If the weather or visibility is poor, add an extra second for each complicating factor. For instance, in rain and fog at night, extend your following distance by three seconds. Increase it similarly when towing, following motorcycles, or if you’re being tailgated.

Dealing with Tailgaters: To handle tailgaters:

• Slow down slightly to encourage them to overtake.
• If safe, switch lanes to let them pass.
• If they persist, find a well-lit public area or a police station to pull over.
• In unavoidable collision scenarios, easing off the brake can reduce impact force.
• Don’t let tailgaters intimidate you; change lanes or pull over to let them pass and to reorient yourself if needed.

Remember, these measures are about ensuring safety for everyone on the road. Adjusting your driving to the conditions and behavior of others is crucial for a safe journey home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K11S1S4C1qA