The 2-second rule is a technique used to estimate a safe following distance between your vehicle and the traffic ahead. It is a general rule of thumb taught in every driving school across the United States. The premise is that by following behind traffic by two seconds, you will have the time and space to brake safely.
This rule requires that you maintain a safe following distance regardless of your driving speed. To estimate a safe distance, wait until the rear end of the vehicle you're following to pass a fixed object, such as an overhead road sign, a signpost, or a tree.
When the car in front passes the landmark, the front of your vehicle should pass the same fixed point within the allotted two seconds. If you take less than two seconds, you should increase the distance. Repeat this method until you're able to maintain a distance of at least two seconds.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation also recommends drivers to adjust their driving to accommodate various road conditions. The DOT suggests using 3 seconds at night, and 4 seconds during bad weather. In addition, drivers should be more cautious when approaching intersections, changing lanes, and braking for a stop light.
Practicing the 2-second rule is essential for many reasons. Here are reasons why you should use this rule.
Reduce the Risk of Collisions
Generally, it can take you a second to discover that a car ahead has stopped. This leaves you with only a second to either take evasive action or bring your vehicle to a complete stop to avoid a possible collision. The 2-second rule can also reduce the severity of injuries in case of a crash.
Create a Safety Buffer
Sometimes it isn't easy to estimate the appropriate following distance or stop times that are suggested for a given speed. The 2-second rule provides an easy, common-sense method to handle these problems and create a buffer, improving road safety.
Avoid Aggressive Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC), aggressive driving causes collisions, injuries, and even fatalities, and it should be avoided. So if the person ahead is driving aggressively or tailgating, you may want to provide enough space to prevent emergencies. Remember that if the car you're following ends up in a crash, it'll be even more challenging for you to avoid rear-ending them.
The 2-second rule is a tried and true rule of thumb that has helped millions of motorists safely navigate roadways for years. However accidents are inevitable, and when they occur, you want to find a qualified attorney to represent you.
Natasha Misra Law fights for your rights to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We work with clients from Milwaukee, Madison, Hales Corners, Appleton, and Green Bay. Please contact us today to consult with our professional attorneys about your car accident.
If you are injured in an auto accident in Wisconsin through no fault of your own, you are entitled to receive compensation for your damages from the at fault driver.
Although Wisconsin drivers are required to maintain automobile insurance, not all Wisconsin drivers actually carry insurance. What happens if you are injured by a driver who does not have auto insurance and no personal assets to pay for your damages? How will you pay for your medical bills and associated expenses?
Fortunately, a Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver through the uninsured motorist coverage of your own automobile insurance.
In Wisconsin, your automobile insurance includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. The uninsured motorist portion of your insurance policy applies if you, your family or other occupants in your vehicle are injured by another driver who does not have insurance or are injured by a hit-and-run driver. Uninsured motorist coverage also applies if you or your family are injured as a pedestrian when struck by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. Under these various circumstances, you may be entitled to claim the same types of damages as you would if you filed a claim against the at fault driver, such as medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages.
If you were injured by a driver without insurance, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist coverage. You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Uninsured motorist cases are handled with your insurance company similar to cases where the at fault driver has insurance. Auto insurance companies seek to limit what they pay in car accidents, even for their own injured customers. They may try to diminish the value of your case or fail to be forthcoming about your uninsured motorist benefits.
Sometimes the at fault driver may refuse to stop and flees the scene of the accident. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important that you contact law enforcement right away.
If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist coverage. You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You should discuss your options with an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer. Natasha Misra Law has experience helping Wisconsin accident victims seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries. If you have been injured by an uninsured driver or hit-and-run driver, you should not have to bear the economic burden. Together, we will look at the facts of your case and uncover all potential sources of recovery.
Call our office today at (414) 210-3834 for a free consultation.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.
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