• echo@lemmy.today
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    9 days ago

    Leave a solid 1.5 to 2 car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you while on the highway. When someone wants to merge into that space, let them and recreate the separation. It’s a kindness not just to those who merge into the space, but to all drivers as it makes travel for everyone safer and lower stress.

    • AskewLord@piefed.social
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      9 days ago

      it should be 1 car length per 10mph of speed. 2 car lengths isn’t enough at highway speeds, it should be several, because as speeds increase your reaction time shortens and so does the force of impact

      • CanIFishHere@lemmy.ca
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        9 days ago

        I was taught the 3 second rule. If you drive 3 seconds behind, the space will adjust to the speed.

      • echo@lemmy.today
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        9 days ago

        You’re not wrong and good luck getting anyone to do that. Can you imagine how much easier/nicer/more efficent travel would be if people would do this?

        • AskewLord@piefed.social
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          6 days ago

          I know. and sometimes… my passengers tell me off for ‘being a pussy’ for following it… because they are such shitty backseat drivers.

          like some people legit think tailgating is how you should drive… at all times and all speeds. same idiots who have massive accident rates and blame other drivers for ‘being in the way’.

    • Asidonhopo@lemmy.world
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      9 days ago

      Leaving gaps also prevents having to slow down or stop as often and reduces traffic congestion overall.

    • Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org
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      9 days ago

      1.5 to 2 car lengths

      on the highway.

      You call that leaving a gap? Going that close would be regarded as severe aggression on our Autobahn. Even punishable in many cases.

      • echo@lemmy.today
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        9 days ago

        Sadly, it’s extremely common practice for folks to leave far less than even 1 car length even traveling at 60 or 70 mph. :(

        • Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org
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          9 days ago

          I see now why it is that easy for the so-called self driving cars to produce (seemingly) good statistics.

          • postmateDumbass@lemmy.world
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            8 days ago

            I try to keep 2 seconds of space, but find myself encroaching cliser in traffic.

            Part of the defensive driving cold war is protecting space in front of you.

    • 87Six@lemmy.zip
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      8 days ago

      Uh, 2 car lenghts on the highway? Isn’t that… Incredibly small? Am I missing something here?