One in 10 drivers does not believe driving too close to the car in front is dangerous, even though half of all collisions are rear-enders, according to NRMA Insurance research.
The NRMA Insurance survey also revealed one in five drivers believes driving while distracted is not dangerous.
NRMA Insurance Queensland State Manager Brett Robinson said the findings were alarming because they indicated a number of drivers were still unwilling to accept responsibility for their own actions at the wheel.
“It appears some drivers still consider themselves bullet-proof,” he said.
“Some drivers may also overly rely on their car’s technology, such as ABS brakes. But good technology won’t compensate for bad driving. You must always leave adequate stopping distance to suit the driving conditions.”
Mr Robinson reminded drivers the older the car, the longer it took to stop. NRMA Insurance demonstrated in a road test that a 1984 Toyota Landcruiser required nine metres more to stop than a 2004 Toyota Landcruiser.
Reasons drivers did not consider it dangerous to travel too close to the car in front included:
- “It depends on the car or driver”;
- “It’s not as important as other factors”;
- “It’s more important to be alert or sensible”;
- “I haven’t had a problem”.
Equally disturbing were some attitudes to driving while distracted. Reasons for not considering it a risk included:
- “I do it and don’t have a problem”;
- “I can multi-task”.
Mr Robinson said mobile phones, including texting, stress and passengers continued to be common distractions.
“Basically, anything that takes your eyes or mind away from driving is a distraction,” he said.
“If you’re at the wheel, your full attention needs to be on your driving and what’s happening on the road around you.”
Tips to help you keep your distance:
- Be aware of the safety features and capabilities of your car;
- Always leave adequate stopping distance between your car and the one in front – don’t tailgate;
- Keep in mind older cars take longer to stop, due to older braking technology;
- Consider the road conditions – wet roads increase stopping distance so drivers need to be more cautious;
- Keep within the sign-posted speed limits or drive slower if conditions demand.
