[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tailgating, the practice of driving very closely behind another vehicle, is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors one can exhibit.\u00a0 It’s also extremely common: about three out of four drivers surveyed had been tailgated at least once in the past 6 months.\u00a0 Tailgating dramatically increases the risk of a rear-end crash because if the leading car has to come to an abrupt stop, the trailing car will have very little time to react to avoid a collision.\u00a0 Rear-end crashes kill thousands of people across the country every year.\u00a0\u00a0Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you can literally save your life.<\/p>\n
Many drivers who are tailgating may not be aware of the danger.\u00a0 Experts recommend keeping at least a two second distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you in ideal conditions.\u00a0 If the conditions are not ideal, such as rain, snow, or fog, more distance should be given to the leading vehicle.\u00a0 If the vehicle ahead of you were to slam on its brakes, would you be able to stop safely without hitting that vehicle?\u00a0 If the answer is not “200 percent yes”, you’re likely traveling too closely.<\/p>\n
Should you be on the receiving end of a tailgating vehicle, there are certain ways to reduce your risk of being rear-ended.\u00a0 If you’re in a position to change lanes safely, doing so will hopefully allow the tailgater to pass your vehicle.\u00a0 If you’re not, leave extra space between you and the car in front of you to allow yourself extra time to stop should that vehicle come to an abrupt stop.\u00a0 This extra time will hopefully translate to giving the tailgating vehicle extra time to stop as well, avoiding a collision.\u00a0 Never perform a ‘brake check’ on tailgating vehicles.\u00a0 This could not only lead to a collision, but a possible road rage incident.\u00a0 There are no winners in a road rage incident.<\/p>\n