When a driver follows too closely, even a small mistake can turn into a high-impact collision in seconds.
What Is Tailgating?
Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely to stop safely if traffic conditions change. While there is no exact distance that defines tailgating in every situation, drivers are expected to maintain enough space to react and avoid a collision.
A commonly accepted guideline is maintaining at least a few seconds of following distance, though this can vary based on:
- Speed of travel
- Road conditions
- Weather and visibility
- Vehicle size and weight
Drivers who fail to adjust their following distance for these conditions increase the risk of an accident.























