Posted on 6/27/2025

If you’ve ever checked your rearview mirror and seen another car uncomfortably close to your bumper, you know how stressful tailgating can be. It's not just an annoyance but a serious safety hazard. Tailgating is one of the most common forms of aggressive driving, and it significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. What Is Tailgating Tailgating refers to following another vehicle too closely, leaving little to no room for reaction if the lead car needs to slow down or stop suddenly. The ideal following distance is at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you under normal driving conditions. Tailgaters close that gap to just one second or less, which leaves almost no time to react. In wet or icy conditions, the safe distance should be even longer as stopping distances increase. The Danger of Reduced Reaction Time The most immediate danger of tailgating is the loss of reaction time. If the car ... read more