Speeding camera fines.

[expat]

So now I have to have a set of rules (stopping distances) in my head dependant on the car in front?

The rule is a standard for keeping a safe distance (the stopping distances at given speeds work out at 2 seconds) and it is the basis for those "keep 2 chevrons apart" sections. If top range cars can stop faster then we have a problem.

The 2 second rule works at 150 mph just as well as it does at 15 mph

This "rule" allegedly works because it is nothing to do with stopping. It merely works on the principle that if you are 2 seconds behind the guy in front, you've got 2 seconds to react to an action on his part with a similar action on your part.

Anyone who thinks that means he can keep 2 seconds behind the car in front, and if he then can't equal his action that's the fault of the driver in front, is crazy and dangerous.

One should drive in such a way that one can remain safe in the face of foreseeable circumstances. A 3-word "rule" is not sufficient.

[The Lone Gunman]

What do you mean "Oh dear"? I had credited the audience with the capacity to consider road conditions, though you make a fair point about towing.

The rule depends on all vehicles and conditions being equal. If that is the case then your thinking distance is accounted for by the 2 seconds and we should all come to a stop in the same distance.
Therefore a car with better breaking capacity will come to a stop in a much shorter distance than the 2 second rule allows.
The same is true even if you just use your encyclopedic knowledge of stopping distances. Keeping the correct distance behind a porsche doing 90 will not stop you rear ending it in your fiesta.

[The Lone Gunman]

oops, spelling

[expat]

The rule depends on all vehicles and conditions being equal.

That's why, like all such rules, it doesn't work.

But I do like your spelling

[The Lone Gunman]

That's why, like all such rules, it doesn't work.

But I do like your spelling

As a generalisation it does work. The 2 seconds is more than adequate to cover reaction time and any difference in the stopping ability of your average saloon, much the same as the safe stopping distances in the old driving test did.

[expat]

As a generalisation it does work. The 2 seconds is more than adequate to cover reaction time and any difference in the stopping ability of your average saloon, much the same as the safe stopping distances in the old driving test did.

You mean it works except sometimes. So those times it doesn't work, it's not your fault for using it, because it works. Except sometimes.

[The Lone Gunman]

You mean it works except sometimes. So those times it doesn't work, it's not your fault for using it, because it works. Except sometimes.

OK then smart arse, what distance do you keep behind any given vehicle in front of you? Just how do you decide what is safe.

I know that my 2 second rule works for most cars. I am wary of sports cars as they stop quicker and I give motorbikes plenty of room in case they fall of (way less than 2 seconds to react there). There are other pointers that raise my attention.

Would you drive as close to a Lambo as you would my Mk 2 Escort?, my KTM or how about my MG ZS?

[DaveB]

Had a nasty case of this locally: twat on ill maintained motor bike bombing up fast lane of dual carriageway; chain comes off & bike catapults him over the central reservation into the path of a car coming the other way.

Oh dear(tm).

Similar thing happened to a twat I was in college with: ill maintained moped (!!!!): rear tyre underinflated, uncontrolled slide: went under bus...

Oh Dear(tm)...

Hmm, there is a pattern here.....

Do we now know where Zeitghost sources his fresh meat?

[expat]

OK then smart arse, what distance do you keep behind any given vehicle in front of you? Just how do you decide what is safe.

I know that my 2 second rule works for most cars. I am wary of sports cars as they stop quicker and I give motorbikes plenty of room in case they fall of (way less than 2 seconds to react there). There are other pointers that raise my attention.

Would you drive as close to a Lambo as you would my Mk 2 Escort?, my KTM or how about my MG ZS?

I'd do exactly as you describe yourself doing. Not apply a "2-second rule".

[The Lone Gunman]

I'd do exactly as you describe yourself doing. Not apply a "2-second rule".

No, generaly I apply a 2 second rule but modify it under certain (rare) circumstances.

You do realise that you are arguing against a globally accepted rule, a rule that is regarded as having a greater than required margin for error.. There is not a court in the world that would hold you to blame for an accident if you stood up and explained you were applying this rule.
It is taught by driving instructors and is accepted during driving tests.

Just how do you know that you are at a safe distance from the vehicle in front?
Is your judgement so good that you know the exact speed and safe stopping distance.