Space Between Vehicles

It is important to give plenty of space to other vehicles.

• Remember to give space all around your vehicle.

• Give extra space to large vehicles so you can see around them, and they can see you.

• If a vehicle is driving right next to you on a roadway move ahead or move behind the vehicle when it is safe. This will keep space all around your vehicle.

Space in front: Use the “four second following distance rule” when you are driving behind someone. Giving enough room in front of you is very important

You might need to give additional seconds of space in front of you if:

• The roads are slippery, icy or covered in snow

• The driver behind wants to pass you

• You are following trucks, buses, vans, large vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles

• You have a heavy load or trailer

• Someone else is following you too closely

• There are emergency vehicles ahead of you

• You come across a railroad crossing

• You stop on a hill or incline

  
  

Space behind: It is not easy to keep space behind you. Check your rearview mirror every 6 to 8 seconds to see if someone is following too closely (tailgating). If someone is tailgating you, slowly reduce your speed. This should encourage them to drive around you.

Give extra space to someone who cannot see behind their vehicle. You can help a driver behind you by keeping a steady speed and signaling in advance when you need to slow down or turn. Try to find a safe place out of traffic if you need to stop to pick up or let off passengers.

Drive in the far-right lane of multi-lane roads if you are driving slower than most traffic. Pull over to the side of the road so that others can pass on the left.

Space to cross: When you cross traffic and multi-lane roads make sure there is enough room to get all the way across. Look ahead, check your surroundings and be ready to stop.

Do not cross traffic until it is safe to do so. Check for other vehicles and pedestrians before you cross traffic.