What can I do as a driver having someone too close behind me? Isn’t there a rule of so many vehicle lengths for miles per hour to use as a guide?
Answer: The law states a specific distance for vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. They must maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet. While the law does not state a specific distance for vehicles not pulling trailers, we do teach a rule which might help you. We no longer teach the old rule of one car length for every 10 miles an hour of speed. These days, it is just not good enough.
The Minnesota Safety Council Defensive Driving Instructors now teach what we call the 3-Second-Plus Following Distance Rule. Watch the vehicle in front of you. When that vehicle gets past an object such as a sign, pole, bridge, etc., then count off three seconds. You should not arrive at that spot sooner than your count to three. If you do, then you are following too close! Also, you must add one second for every hazard that exists. Hazards include but are not limited to heavy traffic, rain, snow, fog, driving into the sun, etc. In some cases you might have to allow six, seven seconds (or even more) to be safe because of existing hazards.
Learn how to recognize any kind of hazard while you are driving out there, and practice the 3-second (plus) following rule. If everyone were to do this, we would not be having so many crashes, injuries or deaths on our roadways. We get many complaints of trucks following too close. Contrary to popular belief, crash facts show a much larger number of cars and pickup trucks being involved in fatal rear end crashes than semi-truck tractors pulling trailers!
If someone is following you too close, pull over and let them by. Tapping your brake lights may not always be a safe option, but in certain cases might help temporarily. Not everyone who follows other vehicles real close wants to pass you. Some drivers have developed the habit of driving that way all the time! Check in your mirrors every 3 to 5 seconds so you know what is going around you. While we cannot control the vehicles around us, we can control our own. We can choose to drive safely in all conditions.
The law does state that you shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway. This needs to be heeded by all of us!
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)