Maintaining a safe following distance is a widely taught concept of road safety. Drivers are always encouraged to leave a three-second space between the front of their vehicle and the rear of the one ahead. So, why do some drivers still tailgate?
Tailgating is a behavior that can be associated with several aspects, including:
1. Impairment
Alcohol impairs depth perception. It can be difficult for a drunk driver to tell the distance between their car and the one ahead, which can lead to tailgating.
Further, alcohol leads to poor coordination. A drunk driver may be unable to maintain a steady speed. They may keep engaging in sudden acceleration and deceleration. Thus, if a drunk driver is following you, they may tailgate you one minute and, the next, be left way behind.
Drunk drivers are also likely to engage in risky behaviors like tailgating because they are overconfident.
2. Distraction
A driver texting, talking on the phone, eating, looking at billboards or controlling the navigation system is not paying attention to the road. Consequently, they may engage in tailgating, as they are not looking at the distance between their car and the one ahead.
3. Pressuring drivers to speed
If a driver behind you is in a hurry or believes you are driving slowly, they may pressure you to increase your speed by tailgating. If this happens, you should not drive beyond the speed limit, as doing so endangers you. Maintain your speed, and when safe, let the tailgater pass.
4. Inexperience
Some inexperienced drivers misjudge distances between vehicles, and some are even unaware of how much space they need to come to a complete stop. Hence, they are more likely to tailgate other drivers.
Tailgating can lead to an accident that seriously injures you. If a tailgater hits you, you need to take calculative steps to fight for your rights.