Did you know that rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of collisions? Many rear-end wrecks are the result of tailgaters. When drivers fail to keep a safe following distance, rear-end collisions or chain reaction accidents are bound to occur. Sadly, many of these needless Sarasota auto accidents happen because drivers forget about the four-second rule.

What Is the Four-Second Rule?

The four-second rule will help you keep enough space in front of your car to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead when it makes a sudden stop. It is very simple to gauge. All you need to do is find an object on the side of the road such as a roadway sign. Start counting once the rear bumper of the car in front of you passes that object.  To get a precise count, you should count like this:

  • One-thousand-one
  • One-thousand-two
  • One-thousand-three
  • One-thousand-four

By counting like this, you will be able to determine if you are following too closely. If you are, you need to decrease your speed and try the exercise again. Because it takes most vehicles three seconds to come to a stop, maintaining the four-second rule will help you be able to stop in time in order to avoid a rear-end accident. Additionally, all drivers need to follow the four-second rule in order to have enough time to react to roadway hazards.

While the four-second rule is a great starting point to keep a safe following distance, more time should be allowed when road conditions are slick or dangerous.

Was another vehicle was following you too closely and caused you to suffer an injury to your head, back, knees, or neck? Please call Mallard Perez today at 888-409-3805 to speak with a qualified Sarasota car accident attorney in a complimentary consultation.

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