Avoiding Rear End Collisions

• Plan ahead to give yourself time to arrive safely and on time, without following other vehicles too closely.

• Stay alert. Reaction time is critical. Avoid distractions that reduce your reaction and stop time.

• Leave space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

  • On dry non-slippery roads, a car or van should maintain at least a 3 second space cushion at speeds below 40 mph.

  • Because of their weight, heavier vehicles need at least 4 seconds and extra heavy vehicles at least 5 seconds at speeds below 40 mph.

  • Add more time to the space cushion for speeds over 40 mph or on slippery roads.

• Look ahead for brake lights, emergency vehicles, or other signs of slowing traffic. When stopped, there should still be a space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Key Facts

• Approximately one quarter of all vehicle collisions involve one vehicle hitting another vehicle from behind.

• The majority of rear end collisions occur during the daytime when the lead vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. Stay alert and maintain proper space cushions at all times.

• You can maintain a safe following distance, even if traffic slows down. Slow down and maintain a proper space cushion if traffic slows or gets heavier.

• It takes more time to stop on slippery roads from water, ice, gravel, or another substance. Add time to your space cushion whenever road surfaces are wet or slippery.

Maintain a safe driving distance between cars

• Find a stationary object by the side of the road.

• As the car ahead passes the object, begin counting slowly until you pass the same stationary object.

• If it is not at least 3 seconds ahead, increase the distance you are following.

• Increase to more than 3 seconds if road conditions are wet or icy.

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