How Tailgating Causes Accidents

Tailgating is the process of following the person in front of you too closely, meaning not putting enough room between the two vehicles. There are many reasons why people engage in tailgating, including distraction, impatience, and intimidation, but it is never safe to do so and can lead to numerous poor outcomes.

Consider how tailgating can cause an accident to happen, and always speak with a Lexington car accident lawyer if you are injured in a crash.

Driver Reaction Time Is Limited

The most common reason accidents happen when one car is engaging in tailgating is the lack of time for the driver behind to stop or swerve if road conditions change. When there is too little space between the two vehicles for the driver behind to stop and avoid striking the person in front of them, a rear-end accident happens. This happens very commonly because of distraction or reckless driving.

The reduced reaction and stopping time can cause serious risk of injuries, especially when the vehicles are traveling at a normal or high rate of speed. There is little time for the driver behind to react and not enough time for the brakes to activate and slow the vehicle down. This creates accidents.

Limited Visibility

Another reason that tailgating causes accidents is that it limits the amount of visibility the driver has. When a person is following the truck or car in front of them very closely, they cannot see what is in front of that vehicle.

For example, if a car is tailgating you, they cannot see the changes in traffic conditions or the brake lights of the driver in front of you. This increases the risk that they will be unable to stop quickly enough to avoid an injury or accident from happening. There just is no ability to know a risk exists.

Stress and Aggravation Build

Tailgating often stems from frustrations. The person behind the driver may be rushing or may be stressed because they are late. This type of stress and frustration behind the wheel makes it more likely for that driver to be unable to control the vehicle they are in. In some situations, this can lead to serious accidents.

Also note that the person who is in front of the tailgating car is also likely to feel overwhelming complications from the incident, such as fear and frustration. It can be stressful as well as intimidating. You may not want to be hit by that car, but you also may be unable to move out of their way to allow the driver to go around you.

The Risk of Severity in an Accident Is Higher

When there is less room for a truck or car to stop, that means it will slam into the car in front of it with greater force. That amplified force will create more intense injuries and often irreparable injuries.

Because there is less ability to avoid the driver in front, these car accidents often happen at a high rate of speed, which can further increase the severity of these injuries.

Speak to an Attorney About Your Options

If you are hurt in an accident caused by a tailgater, you have the right to seek legal action. Proving your case can be challenging, but you can contact a Lexington car accident attorney at Gary C. Johnson P.S.C. to have the resources available to help you show that it was not your fault.