Mind the gap: Cop focus on safe distance between vehicles
Times of India | 7 June 2025
Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police launched a comprehensive awareness campaign titled ‘Mind the Gap' on Friday, focusing on the growing menace of tailgating, which has led to multiple freak road accidents and even road rage incidents across the city in recent months.Tailgating is driving too closely behind another vehicle. The initiative, which combines both digital and on-ground efforts, aims to educate drivers about maintaining safe distances between vehicles. "We observed a concerning rise in road incidents linked to tailgating. In the past three months alone, we received dozens of complaints where tailgating was the primary cause," said a senior officer.The campaign will utilise social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, to disseminate educational content and safety guidelines. Additionally, traffic officers plan to conduct awareness sessions at major intersections across the city. According to police data, tailgating-related incidents increase during peak hours on major arterial roads like EM Bypass and AJC Bose Road.The campaign introduces the "three-second" rule — maintaining a minimum three-second gap between vehicles — as a standard safety measure. Digital displays at key traffic signals will demonstrate proper distances to be maintained between vehicles and showcase real-time examples of safe driving practices. "We are not incorporating a penalty right now and clubbing it with an MV Act offence. We expect better driver behaviour at the crossings and even during parking," said an ACP.Cops also plan to partner with several driving schools and automotive associations to extend the campaign's reach. Commuter Sumit Banerjee hailed the initiative. "I have experienced aggressive tailgating numerous times. It is dangerous. The two-wheeler riders are the worst offenders." Cops will monitor the campaign's effectiveness through CCTV footage. It will run for an initial period of a few weeks, after which the police will evaluate its success and consider extending it based on the results achieved. For more information about the campaign, citizens can visit the Kolkata Traffic Police website or call their helpline at 1073.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes, messages, and quotes !