Well I certainly would agree that if you find it distracting, it's not a
good idea. I have a "gut feeling" about following distance which seems to
correspond to my perception of the "one-car-length-per-10-mph" rule, and up
to about 50-55 mph, both of these seem to correspond to the "2-second
rule". For years, I figured you just know when you're following too close.
Then, out on the US interstates I compared with the"2-second rule" and I
was alarmed to discover how much that following distance should expand at
65-70 mph. It feels almost exponential. My old "gut feeling" criterion
is inadequate. I repeat, I'm NOT advocating something you find
distracting, but having done it, you can bet I'm allowing a lot more
distance at high speeds than I used to - and a LOT more than just about
every vehicle I see on high-speed roads.
BTW, I don't use off-road landmarks but rather some irregularity in the
pavement or shoulder. This keeps mys close to the road and yields a much
more accurate perception of just when the vehicle in front crosses it.
Allen
>From: Gonaj@aol.com
>
>I never even thought of looking at my watch, but watching something at the
>side of the road rather that looking ahead.
>Maybe I just find estimating distance easier than others do.
>
>George
>
******************************************
Allen H. Bachelder =iii=<
Sinking Creek Home for Wayward MGs
49 YT, 57 ZB, 58 ZB, 65 B, 67 BGT, 73 B, 73BGT, 76 B, &...
New Castle, VA 24127
USA
540/544-7333
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