The first scenario shows a car that has been trying to exit a road with a blind corner, ie that the driver could not see down the road s/he was trying to drive into. This happens so often in Jersey. Typically drivers cautiously ease out onto the road listening for the approach of an on-coming vehicle. In this case, as in many cases the approaching driver was going too fast to stop in time upon seeing the exiting car. Remember to adjust your speed when approaching a bend, so you can stop in time if suddenly confronted by an unexpected object in front of you.
See the table below to remind yourself about safe stopping distances:
| Speed |
Thinking Distance |
Breaking Distance |
total distance |
| 20mph |
6 metres |
6 metres |
12 metres (40ft) 3 car lengths |
| 30mph |
9 metres |
14 metres |
23 metres (75ft) 6 car lengths |
| 40mph |
12 metres |
24 metres |
36 metres (120ft) 9 car lengths |
Remember if the road is wet, you need to double these distances. In icy conditions leave up to ten times the gap you would leave in dry conditions.
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