Following too close, also known as tailgating is the most common cause of traffic accidents. You will often read statistics that say speed is a factor in some large percentage of accidents. There are many accident cases where speed is a factor, and even some where speed is a major factor but in most cases it's not a factor at all. Following too close is the cause of many, many accidents and it happens all the time. Following too close is a 4-point ticket with a fairly low fine, and under Insurance Law 2335, one such offense cannot affect your insurance rates. By comparison, a speed of 16 mph over the limit has a max fine of $355, also four points, and can raise your rates (probably 30% a year for 3 years). At 21 mph over the limit it's six points $655 total, and the same problem with insurance. (These are really good averages).
Following too closely behind another motorist, or tailgating, is an aggressive driving behavior. You could be ticketed for tailgating. Worse, you could cause a crash, and end up hurting yourself and wrecking your car in the process.
Tailgating is a common cause for traffic crashes. So keep these thoughts in mind:
- The driver in front of you doesn't care to have your car fill up his or her entire view in the rear view mirror.
- Tailgating doesn't make the person in front of you drive any faster, and may just get them irritated with you.
- If you must get ahead of the vehicle in front of you, maintain a proper distance and wait for a safe time in which to pass.
It's all about being able to stop your car in time in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly hits the brakes. Here are some tips:
- Allow no less than 2 seconds between vehicles during the daytime.
- Allow more leeway for different conditions: 3 seconds at night, and 4 seconds during inclement weather such as during rain, snow, or ice.
- Be especially cautious when approaching stop lights, intersections, and when changing lanes.
- Anticipate potentially hazardous situations that could cause the driver in front of you to stop suddenly.
Dangerous behavior like speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating and gesturing to other drivers is a manifestation of ''road rage. Aggressive driving behavior is a factor in two-thirds of highway deaths and a third of nonfatal crashes. Many people inhibit some common driving dangerous tactics that they have no idea what the real impact is. These driving tactics not only cause auto accidents for those who commit the act, but they cause other drivers to have to quickly react to the act forcing to get into an auto accident. The most dangerous driving tactic is tailgating. Tailgating incurs when a driver is angry that the car in front of them is not going fast enough so they try to get as close as possible to the car in front of them.
- If you need legal assistance with an Auto Injury Claim, please consult with a Car Accident Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only.
