Have you ever been in what is known as “the idiot space”?
The phrase was developed by the road safety organisation Arrive Alive in response to a string of incidents that may have been prevented on South Africa’s busiest roads.
It has a rather straightforward meaning, one that we should probably all understand.
The idiot space is what?
The idiot space is defined by Arrive Alive as being between 0 and 2 seconds away from the car in front.
Anything less than this, according to some drivers, makes you a driving moron, while maintaining a distance of 2-3 seconds is considered the absolute minimum.
The stupid space may occasionally increase depending on the circumstances.
According to the agency, there are times when drivers should maintain even greater distances, including during nighttime driving and inclement weather:
“When driving conditions are ideal, the 2-3 second rule is only recommended as a precaution.
This should be considered the absolute minimum and, in some circumstances, should be increased to at least 5–6 seconds.
“Those circumstances include driving in inclement weather, on slick roads, while trailing larger or smaller vehicles, or while towing a trailer. When driving at night, the 5–6 second rule should also be followed.
Stay away from the “Idiot Space” The Following Distance Must Be Safe Arrive Alive #Following Distance https://t.co/u7DjgNg8c9 pic.twitter.com/H4Cqm4EVBR
— Arrive Alive, July 24, 2022 (@ ArriveAlive).
How to interact with other drivers
It’s fine and dandy to keep your distance and follow the rules, of course. But what about those who are following you?
The impulse to accelerate and force yourself into the stupid space when an impatient driver is tailgating you can be very strong.
Arrive Alive, however, is advising drivers to handle the circumstance appropriately.
You must alter your speeds and change lanes as necessary.
If someone cuts you off, it is still your duty to keep a safe gap between the two bumpers.
“Avoid letting yourself be tailgated. To entice tailgaters to pass you, swerve or increase your speed.
Take a deep breath, step back a little, and reclaim enough room if someone steps into your space.
Your safety is what matters.