Road safety officials are urging drivers to stop tailgating and maintain a proper distance between cars.

A spokesperson for the Road Safety Council said it had designated ‘Maintain Your Distance’ as its topic for March.

“Maintain your distance promotes drivers to remain a safe space behind the vehicle in front of them while driving.

“The term ‘following distance’ is used to define the distance that you should be behind a vehicle. The correct ‘following distance’ is two seconds in good driving conditions and four in bad conditions.

“To measure your distance, time when the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object and compare it to when your vehicle passes that same object. By keeping the correct following distance it will enable you to have enough time to react to any situation which takes place in front of you.”

The spokesperson added: “Maintaining your distance helps to combat the prevalent problem of tailgating in Bermuda.

“Tailgating is dangerous. It is dangerous because, if the vehicle in front has to suddenly stop, there is no time for the vehicle behind it to safely react.

“Maintaining your distance, avoiding tailgating and focusing on the road are a few practices which should form positive behaviors on the road.”

The RSC said that with the re-instituting of the curfew there will be a shorter time period to go out and socialize.

“We remind all drivers to plan. If you are planning to go out to drink, also plan how to get home safely. There are many options available to consider.

“Hire a taxi or minibus, have a designated driver, or utilize HomeSafe and HITCH. Lastly call a friend or family member to come get you.”