Have you ever been driving along when you noticed the driver behind you had crept forward and was now uncomfortably close? It’s likely you have because tailgating (as following too close is known) is a major problem on U.S. roads.
One of the reasons it is such an issue is that many people do not understand how far back they should be. They’ve likely not thought through the chain of events that could occur if the driver in front of them were to brake suddenly, either
The importance of the three-second rule
The minimum following distance is three seconds. Safety experts suggest this should be an adequate time gap in most, but not all, situations. Sometimes you should increase it to take account of things that could increase how long it takes you to stop the car.
If you are feeling tired or finding it difficult to concentrate because your kids are screaming in the back seat, then your brain might not notice what is happening on the road in front of you quickly enough to avoid a crash.
If you know your brake pads need changing or that your tires do not have much grip left, you should also increase your following distance. That way, if you do press the brake pedal, your vehicle will be slower to stop than if the vehicle were in good condition.
Poor weather is another reason to increase your following distance. Firstly, something like fog or driving rain could make it harder to notice what the vehicle in front is doing. Secondly, a rain-soaked, icy or snow-covered surface will have less traction, making it harder for your tires to grip and slow you down.
If a tailgater injures you, having experienced legal guidance can help you hold them responsible and seek fair compensation.