When you're thinking about major causes of Dallas car crashes, tailgating probably doesn't necessarily come to mind. Aren't things like distracted driving and drunk driving more serious? Anything that can cause a car accident is serious, tailgating included. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that rear-end collisions (many of which are caused by tailgating) are responsible for 23 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.
There is never a good reason to tailgate the car in front of you. Many times, if you follow too closely be hind a “slow” person, you're just going to make them angry, and they're not going to go faster—they're going to go even slower. This type of aggressive driving is frowned upon because it can cause extreme road rage and create a dangerous situation for all parties involved. In addition to invoking anger, it also sets you up for an accident due to:
- Reduced Stopping Distance. It's recommended that you keep at least two seconds between you and the car in front of you; double it to four seconds if there is inclement weather or poor driving conditions. Your stopping distance is also directly proportional to the size and weight of your vehicle.
- Reaction Time. Whenever a car in front of you stops quickly or there's a hazard in the road, you need time to perceive what is happening and then send the signals to your brain that your body needs to hit the brakes. You greatly reduce that time when you're tailgating.
- Limited Line of Vision. Following too closely behind someone can limit what you can see ahead of him.
It can be extremely frustrating to drive behind someone driving under the speed limit, but you will only make matters worse if you decide to tailgate them. Simply accept that you will need to drive slower or seek an alternate route.
If you have been in a car accident in Texas, Oklahoma, or Arkansas, contact Girards Law for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.