I witnessed a horrible road accident midmorning on Tuesday this week. It was such a horrifying experience that will be ingrained in my mind for some time.
Road carnage has become something ‘kawaida’ or a normal occurrence in Kenya.
As if we are not doomed enough by politics, governance issues and other development-related issues, traffic rules like leaving ample space between cars are not being tightened by the responsible authorities.
I was driving down to Kahawa Sukari from the city centre and on the drift to Githurai, there was slight traffic.
I had just arrived at the spot and I was trying to check through the cars ahead of me what exactly was happening.
I noticed there had been an accident much earlier, probably a truck carrying cement, as there was still evidence of bags of cement on the road.
So, I had slowed down and while checking through my side mirror, I noticed a water bowser approaching my car at breakneck speed.
Luckily, I had left some space, the ideal recommended space, between the car ahead of me and mine.
The tanker sped through the space I had left to the next lane, where there was some space as well.
In a jiffy, so much happened. While the driver was trying to manoeuvre through the spaces, it then occurred to me he had lost his breaks and the car was on accelerate mode.
Eventually, the tanker landed on a small saloon car with passengers, crushing it flat.
The tanker driver was removed alive, all the passengers in the small car were presumed dead.
So much for dying on traffic. I drove shaken all day that day.
But what lessons did I pick from the experience that I could share and recommendations to the authorities? I would easily have been victim, had I not left ample space between the car ahead of me and mine.
The tanker, found space to manoeuvre because of this, so this little driving hack, my main lesson, overlooked by many saved me. Road users should realise that a safe following distance allows for more reaction time if the car in front suddenly brakes.
Without enough space, a sudden stop could result in a rear-end collision.
Also, when you maintain distance, you can see further down the road, giving you a better view of potential hazards and upcoming changes in traffic patterns.
Another advantage is that even if a collision occurs, having extra space reduces the impact speed, potentially minimising injury and vehicle damage.
Space allows time to react and steer clear of obstacles, debris, or other hazards that might appear on the road.
Many drivers also make errors and by keeping distance, you create a margin for correcting both your own and other drivers’ mistakes without immediate risk.
Drivers should remember that the space you leave between your car and others is more than just empty road; it was a buffer of safety for me, a little gift of time and calm in the face of all the chaos that I witnessed.
It made me really appreciate how much of a difference that one small habit could make, not just for me but for everyone on the road.
In many places, including Kenya,
following too closely also known as
tailgating, mostly done by matatus
is a traffic offence. Keeping a safe
distance helps you stay within the
law and avoid fines.