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How does the 2-second rule prevent rear-end auto accidents in New Jersey?

Statistics are showing that there has been a decrease in Burlington County NJ car accident fatalities caused by car accidents. It appears, however, that Burlington County car accidents occurring on Route 206 and Route 130 proved to be the most fatal during the last year.

A Burlington County New Jersey auto accident that occurred on May 30^th on Route 206 involved a motorcycle which was struck from behind by a Jeep Wrangler. This Burlington County car versus motorcycle accident caused two fatalities, the motorcyclist and his passenger. Should there be stricter rules with regard to tail-gating? Tail-gating is considered an aggressive driving behavior. Driving aggressively leads to NJ car accidents. Statistics indicate that most rear-end or tail-gating car accidents occur due to improper distance between cars.

Most state driver manuals, including New Jersey, indicate that to determine the appropriate safe distance between cars the driver should apply the "two-second rule". However, during inclement weather or when following a truck, including tractor-trailers; the driver should increase to three-seconds or four-seconds. By applying this method the driver would not be tail-gating and therefore would have sufficient time to brake if the other car stops abruptly and a rear-end car accident can be avoided.

How do you implement the "two-second rule" which New Jersey advises? Focus on a tree or sign that is ahead of you. As the car ahead of you passes that object, begin counting, slowly "one thousand one, one thousand two, etc." If you reach that tree or sign before you finish counting, you are considered tail-gating. Slow down and let the other car get further ahead. A driver can always change lanes, if possible, or slow down and pull off the side of the road, if necessary, to let the other driver pass and avoid a rear-end car accident. Also, always use your turn signal when you drive off the road and when you merge back into traffic to avoid a car accident.

Another method of determining safe driving distance between cars and avoid tail-gating is to have 2 car lengths between cars depending on speed and fairly clear weather conditions, or 4 to 6 car lengths when driving on a highway or freeway due to increased speed limits. By following this simple method you can avoid a rear-end car accident.

Rear-end car accidents can also occur when a driver does not brake properly. Be sure to brake early and gently when preparing to stop or turn. This will alert drivers that you are slowing down and it will give the driver following you plenty of time to slow down so you don't have a rear-end car accident. When a driver changes lanes and is not aware of the space on either side of him or her, a car accident can occur. In order to avoid this type of car accident, the driver should look at both side mirrors and the rear-view mirror to become aware of the space on either side of him or her, and again, the driver should use his or her directional signals to notify other drivers that he or she intends to change lanes.

By applying these basic methods you can avoid rear-end or tail-gating car accidents, especially in Burlington County New Jersey, which will ultimately decrease the number of car accident fatalities. A AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson has stated that "the decrease in New Jersey traffic deaths can be partly attributed to stricter enforcement and better compliance by motorists". Every driver's goal should be to be a courteous driver. The reward, you have less chance of being involved in a car accident or worse, causing a fatality. So don't be a fatality statistic; become a new statistic - become a courteous driver!

If you have been involved in a Burlington County, NJ or a Mercer County NJ auto accident, contact the PA and NJ personal injury lawyers at Saile & Saile LLP to learn about recovering fair compensation for your personal injuries, lost wages, and medical bills.

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