Why is it important to maintain a safe distance from aircraft?

Maintaining a safe distance from aircraft is crucial primarily to avoid collision and ensure safety. Aircraft are large and have several blind spots; drivers must be aware of these blind spots and ensure that they are far enough away to avoid any risk of accidents. Keeping a safe distance helps prevent accidents from occurring, especially considering that aircraft can move quickly during taxi, takeoff, and landing phases. Additionally, such distance allows ground personnel to react quickly to any unexpected changes in aircraft movement, contributing to overall airside safety.

The importance of safety cannot be overstated in an environment with multiple moving vehicles and large aircraft. Adhering to safety protocols and maintaining situational awareness minimizes the potential for incidents that could endanger lives or disrupt airport operations. Maintaining distance also protects the integrity of the aircraft and other vehicles on the airside.