Tailgating

This article is about driving too close behind to others. For other uses, see Tailgate.
A typical example of tailgating. The first car is being followed very closely by another.

Tailgating is the action of a driver driving behind another vehicle while not leaving sufficient distance to stop without causing a collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.[1]

The safe distance for following another vehicle varies depending on various factors including vehicle speed, weather, visibility and other road conditions. Some jurisdictions may require a minimal gap of a specified distance or time interval. When following heavy vehicles or in less than ideal conditions (e.g. low light or rain), a longer distance is recommended, due to increased reaction times and stopping distances[2] or because fatigue is most prevalent in long distance lorry driving.[3]

  1. ^ "What is tailgating and why is it dangerous". Driving Tests Resources. 2014-03-20.
  2. ^ "Heavy vehicle following distances". Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) Resources. 2018-11-12. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  3. ^ Live, work, travel in the EU - Heavy goods vehicles