What is a crucial rule of thumb regarding your distance from an IED?

The rule of thumb stating that if you can still see the IED (Improvised Explosive Device), it can still hurt you is crucial because visibility can be deceptive in dangerous situations. IEDs may detonate without warning, and the shockwave from an explosion can extend beyond what might seem like a safe distance based on visual lines. The dynamics of an explosion involve factors such as the type of explosive, the surrounding terrain, and environmental conditions, any of which can increase the potential harm to individuals who are within sight of the device.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from an IED, ensuring that you are well beyond the blast radius, which is not strictly determined by visual observation alone. Safety protocols typically suggest maintaining a significantly greater distance to account for these variables and the inherent unpredictability of IEDs.