The AA is urging drivers to focus on their following distance this Labour weekend.
Mike Noon, AA motoring affairs general manager, says in good driving conditions drivers should leave at least a two-second gap between their vehicle and the one in front, and double that to at least four secondsif the road is wet or visibility is poor.
Mr Noon said this not only helped keep motorists safer on the road but could save money on fuel, make traffic flow better, and make the trip a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
He said to check if you are travelling two seconds behind the vehicle in front, watch the vehicle in front of you pass a landmark such as a sign, tree or power pole at the side of the road. As it passes the landmark, start counting "one thousand and one, one thousand and two". If you pass the landmark before you finish saying those eight words, you are following too closely.
"No matter how good a driver you are, sometimes unexpected things are going to happen in front of you and the greater your following distance the more time you will have to react if you miss seeing something or are distracted for a moment," Mr Noon said.
"If you are right on the bumper of the vehicle in front you are going to be making the driver in front of you feel anxious and under pressure, while you'll be getting frustrated and be more likely to attempt a risky passing manoeuvre," he said.
On the flip side, drivers needed to be just as aware of the cars behind them.
"If you see a line of cars behind you in your rear view mirror or have someone following too close, pull over to the left if you can and give them room to get by."
