Page 36 - Company Supplied Vehicles, Drivers' Manual v3

At 30 mph, vehicles travel 12.0 metres (or 3 car lengths) every second. Even in good conditions
the difference in stopping distance between 30 mph and 35 mph is an extra 8.5 metres, which is
more than 2 car lengths.

Statistics show that when stopping dead from the following speeds at a distance of 23 metres
(75 feet), these are the outcomes for the pedestrian you hit:

Initial Speed Stopping Speed Outcome
30mph 0mph No injury
32mph 11mph Serious injury
40mph 26mph Killing zone
50mph 40mph Dead

3.14 How to avoid a rear collision

Being hit from behind whilst in a stationary or slow moving queue is one of the most common
vehicle incidents. There is a general misconception that there is nothing a driver can do to avoid
their vehicle being hit from the rear, but the following tips can help to avoid a collision:

• Ensure all lights are kept clean so that other road users can see you.
• Drive defensively. Look ahead, anticipate the road conditions and the action of others.
• When at the back of a queue always leave a large gap. Remember ‘Tyres and Tarmac’
and if you can't see both you are too close!
• Keep an eye on your mirrors for approaching traffic. This gives you space to move
forward to lessen or avoid impact. You may even be able to move out of the way.
• If the queue is hidden from following traffic by a bend, rise or bridge consider stopping
where following traffic can see you even if this is well short of the queue, only moving
forward when you are sure vehicles approaching have seen you.
• Consider keeping brake lights on and be ready to use hazard lights if necessary. These
may be wise anyway in particularly vulnerable situations.
• Avoid harsh acceleration and braking. Do not carry out any unpredictable manoeuvres.
• Use your direction indicators thoughtfully and in good time to inform other road users of
your intentions.

3.15 Fuel efficient driving tips

• Drive smoothly avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking whenever possible.
• Use selective gear changes and block changing up e.g. 3 to 5.
• Brisk acceleration so that ‘cruising speed’ is achieved as soon as possible.
• Allow the vehicle to slow down using its own momentum and using engine braking on
the approach to roundabouts and other hazards (in gear, no gas, no brakes, clutch pedal
up).
• Reverse into parking spaces so that when you move again, and the engine is cold, you
can drive away immediately rather than having to manoeuvre first.

Commercial Drive4Life Handbook – January 2022 (Glen Dimplex Fleet Assistance – 01604 747269) Page 35 of 37