asked the Minister for Local Government if he will prescribe a minimum distance to be maintained by heavy vehicles behind preceeding vehicles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Heavy Vehicle Regulations.
89.
Driving too closely behind the vehicle in front, having regard to all the circumstances, can be an offence under section 51A of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, but no measured length of the distance to be maintained between any two vehicles is prescribed. It seems impracticable to incorporate in regulations under the Road Traffic Acts, a prescription as to such distance either generally or in relation to a particular set of circumstances.
I am aware of the problems in relation to road safety and the free flow of traffic created by those inconsiderare drivers who do not keep a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front and I am considering what measures might be adopted, in addition to road safety publicity, to deal with these problems.