THE SARDINE EFFECT
Arguably one of the most important skills in driver safety is having the ability to stop quickly, and in time. Sadly though, we see too many drivers choosing to sit too close to vehicles ahead, regardless of their travelling speed.
Is this a conscious decision, putting too much trust in a brake pedal and over estimating our ability?
Or, have drivers been conditioned to think that a 'safe gap' is only meters from the car in front simply because it has become the standard driving behaviour?
We call this, the Sardine Effect. The act of travelling too close to the vehicle ahead, therefore increasing the risk of not being able to stop safely.
When we do this, we simply don't allow enough time to stop and avoid an irreversible situation. Imagine being able to reverse the steps of a collision, by being able to calculate the risk with each metre you travel.
Holding a license, comes with the responsibility of knowing how to calculate correct stopping distances to factor in our travelling speed, vehicle mass weight, individual reaction time, tyre health, brake conditions and exterior factors such as weather and road conditions.
Do drivers have an accurate measure of their own individual reaction time behind the wheel?
At a speed of 100km/hr, how many metres would a car need to be able to stop safely and in time, on a dry day with moderate road conditions?
If your answer was less than 30mts, you may be contributing to the Sardine Effect.
To learn more about correct and safe stopping distances, visit www.mydrivingschool.com.au. Explore the impacts following distance can have on your ability to drive safely, in a controlled environment with an accredited Driver Trainer.
