Football. Parking lots. Tailgating before the game!!!! Okay — not the same “tailgating” of topic here.
Tailgating: The practice of driving on a road too close to the vehicle in front, at a distance which does not guarantee that stopping to avoid collision is possible.
Most of the time, road rage is the cause of tailgating. Those behind you are provoked in one way or another which then causes aggressive driving. What are the exact laws for tailgating? What consequences are handed out to those who do it? What would happen if you were to make a stop to turn into a business, home, or other establishment and the driver behind you is following to close? It is a recipe for disaster.
Approximately one third of rear-end collisions involve tailgating.
What happens if you are rear-ended by a tailgater? What injuries can stem from being rear-ended? Neck injuries, back injuries, spinal paralysis, death—need to hear more?
According to research by the Highways’ Agency, tailgating is one of the top causes of car accidents. Following too closely, not leaving enough time or distance to react or stop. Not a safe driving practice at all.
Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer, Chris Zachar goes into detail:
Tailgating occur because people tend to perceive little risk in so doing. Often, these people consider themselves to be “safe drivers”. They think they can handle it.
At worst, it is a violent form of road rage. Driving aggressively — perhaps also with use of headlights and horn — to bully the leading vehicle's driver to get out of the way. The driver being tailgated might not wish to comply, especially if doing so would involve breaking the law. The front driver may increase speed, or, may do the opposite—tap or slam on the brakes to “get the tailgater off and away”. If the front vehicle decelerates suddenly, there is a high risk of a collision and injuries.
“He was driving too slow” or “she wouldn’t get out of my way” are NOT valid defenses here.
The tailgater is responsible—every time.
