Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front is essential for safe driving. The speed you drive affects the distance you need to stop safely. Also, traveling at high speeds shortens the time that you have to react and brake in time to avoid collisions. When vehicle operators keep a safe following distance, they create a positive road safety culture and help prevent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, KAUST property, or other objects on the road.
Keeping a Safe Following Distance
- A defensive driver maintains a safe following distance of at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead and at least doubles that when there are adverse weather and road conditions, for example, during rain and sand storms. Trucks and larger vehicles may need to increase their safe following distance further.
- When traveling behind alternative modes of transport, such as e-scooters and bicycles, a driver must give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Also, apply extra caution during inclement weather.
- When passing another road user, drivers of cars, trucks, and larger vehicles should keep a safe distance between the vehicle and the other road user, including e-scooters and bicyclists. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is recommended.
- Tailgating is an unsafe act that involves following another vehicle too closely and is prohibited in KAUST. A
- Drivers and riders must keep a reasonable following distance to safely stop in an emergency, for example, if the vehicle ahead of them stops suddenly.
- Do not follow an emergency vehicle too closely. Maintain a distance of at least 15 meters (49 feet) behind emergency vehicles or more if needed.
Please watch this short video about safe following distances.
Source: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.sa
Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe!