A More Perfect Interstate

One does not need to spend much time on the interstate to see the problems. What we increasingly see is following distances below one second. This is not just dangerous, it is also threatening. We have all been in a hurry and gotten impatient with the driver in front of us. Over time though, it becomes normalized. So much so that we see police officers doing it. By applying principals of team training, we can change this.

The goal of team training is to change our mindset from self-centered to one that sees others as equal members of a team working for the good of all. Threatening the driver in front of us by getting closer to them so that we can win the race to the destination is nothing less than self-centered.

So, how do we go about solving this problem. Should we do what a few jurisdictions are now doing- installing cameras that issue tickets to drivers who are following too closely? Maybe we should do away with interstate travel entirely since it is also unsustainable? At any rate, let us look at what we can do here and now.

Following distance: Driver training material is pretty consistent in calling for at least 3–4 seconds of following distance. Also in that the following distance should increase in conditions like heavy traffic. What we find is that our following distance is greatly decreasing in heavy traffic. What we must do is at least follow the 3–4 second rule during these time. Sure, the vehicles behind us will tailgate and try to pass on the right, but we must do what is right.

Merging traffic: Increasingly we are also seeing drivers tailgate other drivers driving in merging lanes like inlet ramps. What we find is that when all drivers are using adequate following distance, merging traffic is able to merge easily. No one has to slam on their brakes or their accelerator.

Congestion passing: When their is heavy congestion when traffic is stopped or near stopped, we should not just fly past stopped traffic. For one, we do not know if a vehicle from the slow lane will jump into our lane. Another reason is that we should not put our personal needs before those of our neighbors. It is just common decency. We should only pass slowly, leaving room for drivers from slower lanes to merge. It is usual that congestion is caused by a lane closure. We should make an attempt to not pass any drivers in this circumstance, but remain in the same order that we entered the congestion.

Emergency flasher/lights: If we see a hazard ahead, when it is safe, we can put on our flashers to notify drivers behind that they should look for a hazard so they can act accordingly. If we see a driver driving without light on after dark, we should flash our lights at them when it is safe. They may not realize that the flashing is for them after the first vehicle, but after two or three they should. They fact that all of these things are not being done should tell us how certain factors have changed us into a society that does not care for the well-being of their neighbors. Let us be proactive in making our world a better place. Thank you!