How Good A Driver Are You?
The situation: Smith was driving in a heavy traffic stream, following 35ft behind a truck belonging to Black and Company. Speeds were 30 miles an hour. Traffic forced the truck to pull up suddenly, and Smith braked hard. Jones, following Smith, was unable to stop in time, and dented the rear of Smith's car. What do you think? (1) Was Jones at fault—and why? (2) Could Smith have done anything to reduce the chance of this accident?
The answers: (1) Yes, Jones was following too closely—or else it was a case of inattention or defective brakes. (2) Smith would have been a more prudent driver if he had kept further behind the truck so that
This is the fourth of a series of articles prepared by the Transport Department to demonstrate that it often takes two drivers to make an accident. The department's records show that the situations dealt with in the articles frequently result in accidents.
he could anticipate the need to stop by watching the traffic ahead, and could then brake more gently and give a clear signal. This was all the more important, because he should have noticed that Jones was following closely.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 11
Word Count
202How Good A Driver Are You? Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 11
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Acknowledgements
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