Saudi Arabia is witnessing a continuous increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, and failure to maintain a safe distance is resulting in a high rate of traffic accidents and significant human and economic losses.
Studies show that the mortality rate due to traffic accidents in the Kingdom has reached more than 27 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, with a rate of more than 19 deaths per day. These alarming numbers remind us all to drive safely, including keeping a safe distance between vehicles.
Why is it necessary to leave a safe distance between vehicles?
Leaving a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front gives you enough time to react in an emergency, such as sudden braking or lane changes. Many rear-end collisions occur because this simple rule is not followed.
A safe distance gives the driver time to react, reduces the likelihood of losing control, and helps prevent a chain reaction of accidents that may occur when one vehicle collides with another and then rebounds into other cars.
Rules for estimating and maintaining a safe distance
- The three-second rule: Driving experts recommend maintaining a distance of at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This can be done by choosing a fixed object on the road and calculating the time it takes for the car in front to reach it.
- Greater distance in special conditions: When driving in rainy or foggy weather, or on highways, the distance should be doubled to five or six seconds to avoid the risks of skidding or poor visibility.
- Estimating distance in cars: It is sometimes recommended to leave at least two spaces equivalent to the length of two cars in normal conditions, and to increase this distance at high speeds.
Violation of not leaving a safe distance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The General Traffic Department in the KSA has been eager to establish strict regulations to prevent dangerous driving behaviors. One of these regulations is the consideration of not maintaining a safe distance between vehicles as a traffic violation.
The fine for this violation ranges from 150 to 300 Saudi riyals, depending on the severity and frequency of the case. The aim of this penalty is not only to deter drivers financially, but also to instill awareness among them of the importance of this rule and its role in protecting lives.
In conclusion, drivers’ commitment to wearing seat belts correctly reduces the rates of fatalities and serious injuries, and the fines imposed by the police on those who don’t wear seat belts are important to make drivers do so.
Catastrophic of not leaving a safe distance
Accidents resulting from not leaving enough distance not only lead to injuries and deaths, but also cause significant financial losses, including vehicle repairs and increased insurance costs, in addition to their impact on the national economy as a result of the loss of productive human resources.
Maintaining a safe distance is a commitment to yourself first, and then to others who share the road with you.
Conclusion
Leaving a safe distance between vehicles is not a personal choice, but a necessity for traffic safety that helps reduce accidents and save lives. Adhering to this simple rule ensures your safety and the safety of others, protecting society from easily avoidable losses.
Let’s make safe distance a daily habit, instilling it in ourselves and those around us, because it could be the difference between life and death, and achieving traffic safety.