BLUEFIELD — Even when the sun is out and shining and roads are clear of snow and ice, following too closely behind another vehicle is not an acceptable practice.
Under normal driving conditions, motorists should follow the vehicle ahead of them at a distance of one car length for every 10 miles-per-hour they are traveling, according to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.
When roads are covered with snow and ice — as has been the case for weeks now — motorists should allow twice as much space. Unfortunately, some in our region feel it is necessary to tailgate a motorist who is driving at a slower and safer speed along snow-and-ice covered roads.
That’s why we welcome the announcement that the sheriff’s office will be placing a special emphasis on enforcing the section of state code pertaining to following another vehicle too closely. According to Sheriff Don Meadows, deputies will be writing traffic citations for second and third offense following too closely violations. The court costs alone for those cited for following too closely is in excess of $160.
The sheriff’s office recently completed a routine review of its records and found that 50 percent of two and three-vehicle accidents occurred as a result of a motorist following another too closely. According to Meadows, the code states motor vehicle drivers can’t follow another vehicle closer than what is “reasonable and prudent” with respect of the speed of vehicles, volume of traffic and highway conditions.
Tailgating another vehicle is never a reasonable and prudent practice. Following behind another vehicle too closely is not only illegal, but it is also a dangerous practice in good and bad weather alike.
Please slow down and just practice some good common sense when you get behind the wheel during bad and good weather alike. Don’t tailgate another vehicle when the driver of that vehicle is simply trying to drive safely on a road that has not been fully cleared of snow and ice.
With even more snow in the forecast, everyone needs to slow down and drive a little bit safer. There is simply no justification for tailgating another vehicle in good or bad weather.
Editorials
March 2, 2010
Slow down: Authorities cracking down on tailgaters
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