Tailgating is the act of driving too closely to the vehicle in front of yours. In many cases, it is seen as an aggressive act that can increase your risk of an accident while driving on an Arizona road or highway. You may want to examine the many reasons why tailgating is a bad idea.
You need time to process information
A car that is traveling at 60 miles per hour may need up to 240 feet to come to a complete stop. As a practical matter, you’ll want to stay more than 240 feet away from other vehicles on the highway to minimize your risk of not stopping in time to avoid a danger on the road. It’s important to note that you’ll need more time to process what’s going on around you if it’s raining or snowing outside.
You’ll need more time to stop on wet or slippery roads
Your vehicle’s stopping distance will likely increase while driving on wet or slippery roads. It is even more dangerous to tailgate while driving during a storm or on road surfaces that haven’t been treated with sand or salt.
What to do if you’re being tailgated
If you’re the one who is being tailgated, it may be best to move into another lane or pull to the shoulder. This will allow an aggressive motorist to go around your vehicle and make it possible to safely continue on your journey. It may be in your best interest to consult with a motor vehicle accident attorney if your vehicle is struck from behind by another car.
It’s rarely a good idea to follow other vehicles too closely regardless of your reason for doing so. It is also not a good idea to engage with those who are following your vehicle too closely. Instead, call the police after an accident and wait until assistance arrives. An attorney may offer legal advice in the aftermath of a road rage incident that causes a motor vehicle accident.
