What impact does tailgating have on road safety?

Tailgating significantly reduces the driver's reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, they have less time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. If the vehicle in front brakes unexpectedly, the tailgating driver may not have sufficient distance to avoid a crash, leading to potentially severe accidents.

Moreover, tailgating can create a stressful and aggressive driving environment, which may contribute to a chain reaction of collisions involving multiple vehicles. Maintaining a safe following distance not only allows for sufficient reaction time but also enhances overall road safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents. Proper spacing also gives drivers more visibility of the road ahead, allowing them to anticipate traffic conditions better.