The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast - Episode 197

All right, drivers, let's talk safety, and today we're talking about something every single one of you learned early in your driving careers, but it's worth a reminder, no matter how many miles you've logged.

We're talking following distance.

When you're behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle, the space between you and the vehicle ahead isn't empty pavement, it's reaction time.

It's the space that you need when brake lights suddenly come on, traffic backs up over the crest of a hill, or somebody decides at the last second that your safe following distance looks like the perfect place to change lanes.

A good rule to remember is the six-second following distance.

Now, you know this, but just a reminder, pick a stationary object ahead, maybe a sign, or a bridge, or a pavement marking.

When the vehicle in front of you passes it, start counting.

Now, that space will give you additional time for perception, reaction, and brake lag if something unexpected happens.

But don't just watch the vehicle immediately in front of you.

Aim high, and look farther down the road.

Scan well beyond your following distance for brake lights, slowing traffic, road hazards, and changing conditions.

While approaching a blind curve or the crest of a hill, ease off that throttle, and be prepared.

You don't know what's waiting beyond what you can see.

And finally, keep your eyes moving.

Scan ahead, look beside you and behind you.

Don't become locked onto one vehicle or one spot on the highway.

The sooner that you recognize an erratic or a distracted driver, the more options you have to keep yourself out of their problem.

And one more thing, drivers, remember this: the space you leave may be the time you need to prevent a collision tomorrow.

Maintain that closing distance, keep those eyes moving, and stay focused on the road ahead.

This has been a safety reminder from Terrence Burgess, your safety supervisor at Stevens Transport.

All right, drivers, let's talk safety, and today we're talking about something every single one of you learned early in your driving careers, but it's worth a reminder, no matter how many miles you've logged.

We're talking following distance.

When you're behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle, the space between you and the vehicle ahead isn't empty pavement, it's reaction time.

It's the space that you need when brake lights suddenly come on, traffic backs up over the crest of a hill, or somebody decides at the last second that your safe following distance looks like the perfect place to change lanes.

A good rule to remember is the six-second following distance.

Now, you know this, but just a reminder, pick a stationary object ahead, maybe a sign, or a bridge, or a pavement marking.

When the vehicle in front of you passes it, start counting.

Now, that space will give you additional time for perception, reaction, and brake lag if something unexpected happens.

But don't just watch the vehicle immediately in front of you.

Aim high, and look farther down the road.

Scan well beyond your following distance for brake lights, slowing traffic, road hazards, and changing conditions.

While approaching a blind curve or the crest of a hill, ease off that throttle, and be prepared.

You don't know what's waiting beyond what you can see.

And finally, keep your eyes moving.

Scan ahead, look beside you and behind you.

Don't become locked onto one vehicle or one spot on the highway.

The sooner that you recognize an erratic or a distracted driver, the more options you have to keep yourself out of their problem.

And one more thing, drivers, remember this: the space you leave may be the time you need to prevent a collision tomorrow.

Maintain that closing distance, keep those eyes moving, and stay focused on the road ahead.

This has been a safety reminder from Terrence Burgess, your safety supervisor at Stevens Transport.