WHP Urges Drivers to Widen the Distance

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Louis Tegdesch is urging the public not to follow too closely.

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Tegdesch advised drivers to put more distance between themselves and other motorists, especially during inclement weather or hazardous driving conditions.

Lt. L. Tegdesch

According to In Control Crash Prevention, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that trains drivers to handle dangerous real-world situations in safe, controlled environments, tailgating is the cause of more than 33% of all car crashes in the United States and 76% of crashes involving drivers with six or fewer years of experience.

Lt. L. Tegdesch

Wyoming State Statute 31-5-210, Following too closely, states:

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, and which is following another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy the space without danger.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, increase following distance and adjust for changing road conditions.