Tailgating Dangers on Chicago Roads

Driving a car comes with the responsibility of safeguarding your own safety and that of others on the road.

We have to rely on each other to make careful decisions to keep our roads safe for everyone. Even though we all know that a small error, distraction, or misjudgement can lead to a car accident, we may still indulge in dangerous driving habits, putting the lives of others at risk.

Tailgating – A Dangerous Driving Habit

One of the most common dangerous driving habits that lead to car accidents is tailgating. Tailgating is driving too close to the car in the front. Although tailgating may not seem dangerous and may even seem unavoidable, the reality is that this dangerous driving habit causes thousands of car accidents every year.

Tailgating and Rear-End Collisions

Tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. The risk of a rear-end collision increases when a vehicle is maintaining a distance of less than two seconds with the vehicle at the front. Under optimal road conditions, a driver should maintain a minimum gap of two seconds with the vehicle in front to reduce the chances of a collision. When the car in front crosses a fixed point on the road, it should take at least two seconds to cross the same point or object. To accommodate variable road conditions, maintain a larger gap with the vehicle in front. This ensures that you have adequate stopping time in case of an emergency situation.

Drivers who tailgate do not have enough time to respond to a situation when the car in front suddenly slows down, swerves, or comes to a stop. There are various road or traffic conditions that can cause the driver in the front to come to a sudden stop, and if there is inadequate distance between the two of you, a rear-end collision is imminent. If you are traveling at a high speed, the collision could be serious.

Avoid Distractions

If you are tailgating and are distracted by a phone call or text message, then you could rear-end the vehicle in the front if it slows down. Even at a slow speed, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries including whiplash, which can cause long-term pain and discomfort in the neck area.