No Bumper To Bumper: Why The “2 Second Rule” Is A Must

Driving on Nigerian roads can be quite frustrating, to say the least. The popular saying “all are mad but few are roaming” applies to the way you would see some drivers drive, overtake, and feel justified in their actions. Most times, you would just have to sit back and try and understand how they managed to get a licence in the first place. Making the issues worse are the traffic officials who tend to overlook these violations, which means most drivers, especially those who drive public transportation, are well-known violators of traffic regulations, but the traffic officials tend to turn a blind eye to them once they have been “settled.”

But, Carmart.ng has got you covered regarding all the necessary traffic rules and penalties so as to avoid your car getting impounded or fined, in the case you meet a traffic official that actually wants to do their job. In that way, we have researched ways and behaviours that would aid you not only in avoiding car accidents but also keep you from violating any traffic rule, especially during traffic or on the highway, which is known as the “2 second rule.” Keep reading this blog to find out more. 

If you know the popular song “Make you follow me bumper to Bumper,” this doesn’t apply when the “2 second rule” is concerned. The “2 Second Rule” is a precise rule that will help you maintain the ideal following and stopping distance while driving safely. We all want to know ways to avoid car accidents, and this is one of them. Every road user is required to abide by a precise set of laws and norms in order to drive safely. Keeping an efficient following and stopping distance is part of it. If you’re driving on the highway, this is crucial.

Road users are urged not to approach the car in front of them too closely. In order to give yourself the chance to safely manoeuvre your way if the automobile in front of you decides to stop or slow down, you should leave a reasonable gap between your vehicle and the one in front. So, following the “2 Second Rule” is a sensible and practical strategy to keep a safe distance.

Giving yourself ample distance from the car in front of you will give you time to react quickly in the event that it breaks down or slows down. But Nigerian drivers don’t like hearing warnings; they overtake and tailgate anyhow they like, not even missing the cars around them. That is why you need to read this blog on why the “2 second rule” is important.

Why abide by the two-second rule

By adhering to the two-second rule, you will not only be able to slow down quickly if the automobile in front of you brakes suddenly, but you will also give the car behind you plenty of time to slow down. Learning secure braking methods like progressive braking is also crucial. Once mastered, progressive braking makes driving safer and reduces wear and tear on your car.

How should I apply the two-second rule?

• The motorist should mentally calculate the distance inside a safety stop, especially when driving on a highway. The driver must recognise and choose a stationary object in front of a moving vehicle. These things might be a road sign, a tree, or a flyover.
• He should make an effort to say any 3-word sentence slowly and gently, such as “trailing for safety” or “staying too close.”
• If the driver approaches a similar object before the recitation is complete, it indicates that he is following the automobile in front of him too closely. He should now slow down to give himself more room.
• Wet and slick roads significantly lengthen stopping distance. The “Three Second Rule” for wet roads can be used at this point. For number three, you can also include “playing it safe.”

Why is it so important while driving?

The 2-second rule needs to be practised for a variety of reasons. Following are some justifications for following this regulation:

 Reduce the likelihood of collisions

 Typically, it can take a moment for you to notice that an automobile in front of you has stopped. This gives you just a split second to either take evasive action or completely stop your car in order to prevent a potential collision. In the event of a collision, the 2-second rule can significantly lessen the severity of injuries.

Establish a safety buffer. 

The recommended stopping distances or following distances for a particular speed can be difficult to predict at times. The 2-second rule offers a simple, sensible approach to dealing with these issues and building a buffer, increasing the chances of avoiding accidents. 

If you want to avoid accidents on Nigerian roads, following the “2 second rule” is your best option.