Drivers are widely taught about the safe following distance. This starts during the initial training and continues with the popularized recommendation of the three-second rule. With this rule, when the car ahead passes a stationary object, the following car should pass the same object at least three seconds later.
Several counting methods are used to apply it. For example, counting, “One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand” or “One-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two, one-thousand-and-three.”
So, why do some drivers tailgate if the principle of safe following distance is widely known and recommended?
Common reasons drivers tailgate
Several factors contribute to this behavior. These include:
- Impatience – When a driver is in a hurry, they may tailgate to pressure the driver ahead to speed up, as they may believe the vehicle is slower, even if the driver is within the speed limit.
- Road rage – A driver who is frustrated because they believe the driver ahead is slower or they were cut off may use tailgating to express their anger.
- Distracted driving – A driver who is not paying attention to their driving may fail to maintain a safe following distance.
- Drunk driving – Alcohol impairs perception and judgment. A drunk driver may be unable to judge distances to the car ahead.
- Inexperience – Inexperienced drivers sometimes don’t know how to accurately assess the space needed to safely stop at various speeds or conditions.
- Pack mentality – Some drivers tend to mimic the behavior of surrounding cars, which can result in people acting as a “wolf pack” rather than independently. This is referred to as pack mentality, and it’s driven by psychological factors. Tailgating is one of the behaviors often mimicked.
Knowing why drivers tailgate can help you respond safely when you encounter such behavior.
Tailgating causes many accidents yearly, particularly rear-end crashes. If a tailgater injured you, learn more to know the steps to take to receive what you deserve.