Social Distancing: Just like keeping a safe distance from the car in front

We’re now two weeks into the Enhanced Community Quarantine. For most of us, staying home has become the new normal. And social distancing has become a way of life. But if you’re still wondering what’s the logic behind social distancing, try thinking of it as keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you while driving.

We’ve always been taught to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Back in the day, the rule was to put 2-3 car lengths in between the vehicle one is following. Nowadays, a more accurate measurement is to have at least 2-3 seconds between you and that car in front.

The logic behind this is to give you enough time to react in the event that the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or stop. If you follow too close, for instance, the result would most likely be a rear end collision.

As simplistic as it sounds, the same logic seems to hold true for social distancing. No, not to avid a rear end mishap but rather, to have that ounce of safety to avoid any unwanted transmission of infection. Studies have shown that any form of interaction, even it be simply conversing with someone, may transmit microbes or the like.

In order to avoid such an occurrence, we are advised to avoid large gatherings and if possible, maintain a two meter distance from the other person. No, it’s not being paranoid or anti-social. It’s simply being careful during this critical time when the Corona virus is spreading rampantly throughout the world.

So just as you’d maintain a safe distance from the car you’re following in order to avoid a mishap while driving, why not keep a safe social distance at least for the time being? A bit of sacrifice on our part may go a long way in helping to not only contain the virus but help bring us closer together once all this passes.

Stay safe, folks!

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