Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Even when stopped, create a buffer zone
Bumper to bumper traffic is a bad idea, even when you stop at a light or sign.
Most drivers recognize the need for a buffer zone around their vehicles when they’re moving. But it’s important to leave some space when you’re stopped, too.
What are your options if the driver ahead of you turns on the four-way blinkers and steps out of the vehicle? If you’re just inches from the other vehicle’s bumper, you have nowhere to go.
“We advise students to stop about half a vehicle length back,” said Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education at Manitoba Public Insurance. “Stop when you can still see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead touching the roadway.
“One of the reasons traffic jams happen is that no one leaves room to manoeuvre. Leaving just a little space gives you a lot of options if you need them.”
Leaving a half-length ahead means:
- You have room to change lanes if the car ahead stalls or the lane is blocked
- The driver ahead has a little room to back up
- There’s a bit of a buffer if the vehicle ahead rolls back on a sloped roadway
- There’s less likelihood of becoming a link in a chain of rear-end collisions.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Stop Signs in Driving Tips
- Mandatory Stops in Driving Tips
- Safe Stopping in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Stop Signs directly
