Awareness campaign "Respect my Space"

Safety on our roads is also, and increasingly, a matter of respect among all users, whether they are traveling by foot, on two-wheelers or in a motor vehicle. Like exceeding speed limits, disregarding the safety distance in all its forms is a major factor, all too often underestimated, of road insecurity.

Safety distances can be measured from a vehicle in front, overtaking it or from a given point in the infrastructure, primarily with regard to stopping and parking rules. Here are a few that are particularly focused on respectful and safe cohabitation between all road users.

Safety distances from vehicles in front

• The Traffic Laws provide that the interval from the vehicle in front must be at least equal to the distance traveled in 2 seconds. The higher the speed, the greater this distance must be.
• In tunnels, when the flow of traffic is reduced, maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters from the vehicle in front.

These rules help prevent collision in the event of braking, by giving the following user the stopping distance necessary to react safely to an unforeseen event. They also guarantee better traffic flow, reducing the need for untimely braking. Finally, by respecting the space of other users and avoiding harassing them, we reduce their stress and therefore the risk of errors.

Ensuring that all users can occupy the space in a safe, comfortable and stress-free manner is also the goal of lateral safety distances.

Lateral safety distances

• The minimum lateral distance to be observed by the driver of a self-propelled vehicle when exceeding a cyclist is at least 1.5 meters. The higher the speed when overtaking a cyclist, the more this distance should be increased. Ideally, all 4 wheels of the overtaking vehicle should be in the oncoming lane.
• Also in relation to other users, when passing, keep a sufficient distance so as not to endanger. The Traffic Laws do not precisely define this distance, but it depends mainly on the infrastructure and the speed in which the overtaking is carried out and in which the vehicle or the passed pedestrian moves.
• The lateral distance to be observed by a cyclist in relation to vehicles parked on the side of the road, ideally corresponds to the width of a car door. As a result, a cyclist does not endanger himself, even if the motorist does not use the "Dutch handle"* to ensure that a cyclist passes to his left.

Even stopped, vehicles can represent a danger, especially when they reduce the visibility of other road users. This is why here too, the Traffic Laws have provided for certain special safety distances.

*Dutch handle: the driver opens the door with his right hand instead of his left hand before exiting the vehicle on the left side, which at the same time allows him to see any bikes that may be in the doorway.

Safety distances from an element of the infrastructure

• Parking is prohibited on pedestrian and cyclist crossings and within 5 meters of either side of these crossings to ensure better visibility for pedestrians wishing to cross.
• Parking is also prohibited at the top and near the top of a hill or in a bend, when visibility is not guaranteed in both directions at least 100 meters outside built-up areas and at least 20 meters away in built-up areas.
• Finally, in built-up areas and where there is no sidewalk, a free space of at least 1 meter on the road-shoulder, when it is practicable, must be left to give pedestrians the space necessary for safe movement.

Respecting other users is respecting their space. Safety distances are there for everyone's safety. By respecting them, cohabitation in public space will be more pleasant and less stressful for everyone.