IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUNG DRIVERS CAN BE FOUND AT www.dontletthishappentoyou.co.uk

Most accidents are caused by lack of attention, poor observations and planning. Page 42/43 of the new HIGHWAY CODE  (Fifteenth Edition) set out the typical stopping distances.                                              

Did you know that at 30mph the overall stopping distance is equivalent to 6 car lengths? At twice that speed (60mph) that distance increases to 18 car lengths. YES............. THATS 3 TIMES THE OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE AT 30mph. These distances are also dependent on weather, road surface, variations in thinking distance and the condition of the vehicle.

Leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front so you can pull up safely if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. AS A GENERAL RULE ALLOW A TWO SECOND GAP BETWEEN YOU AND THE CAR IN FRONT . (illustration from the Highway Code, Rule 126) THIS GAP SHOULD BE DOUBLED IN WET WEATHER AND INCREASED STILL FURTHER IN ICY CONDITIONS.

Click on the Strathclyde Police link below for advice on road safety and associated information.