The decisions that drivers make in traffic directly influence their chances of being involved in a collision. Unsafe conduct and illegal maneuvers can both lead to preventable wrecks. Generally speaking, motorists have to observe the posted speed limit. However, they also have to monitor the flow of traffic to avoid obstructing the safe driving of others.
Those speeding aggressively sometimes tailgate others in traffic. People who follow the speed limit may find that other drivers get much too close to their rear bumpers. In such scenarios, rear-end crashes could easily occur.
Tailgating is a common safety issue
Following the speed limit is important for traffic safety, and so is maintaining adequate space between vehicles. Drivers need time to respond to changing traffic conditions. As a general rule, motorists should typically leave several seconds of travel time between the front of their vehicle and the rear of another vehicle.
Motorists need enough space to be able to see the brake lights and turn signals of the vehicles in front of them. They also need enough time to slow down or stop in response to the other driver’s maneuvers.
Aggressive drivers who get too close to other vehicles can cause preventable collisions due to their poor decisions in traffic. A motorist rear-ended by a tailgater may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim or possibly even a lawsuit if their losses exceed what insurance can cover.
Holding a tailgater accountable for causing a motor vehicle collision can help people pay to repair their vehicles and cover any medical expenses, as well as any wages they lose as they heal from their injuries. Tailgaters and others who habitually drive in an unsafe manner may be liable if their poor choices result in negative consequences for others.