Why Do People Tailgate While Driving?

October 6, 2017

As A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer I See Too Many Tailgating Car Accidents.

Tailgate parties at the big game are fun, but tailgating on the road is another story. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, everyone on the road is at risk, and this practice is deadly. From 2012 to 2014, rear-end crashes killed 5,100 people, reports the National Transportation Safety Board. This report makes it clear that there are too many tailgating car accidents. To improve safety on the road, learn the reasons why people choose to tailgate and what you can do about it.

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Why are there tailgating car accidents?

In general, people tailgate while driving for several reasons including:

1.Protect Personal Space

Surrounded by a ton of steel, drivers tend to believe that their vehicle and the space around it belong to them. They may tailgate to protect their space from invaders or threats.

2. Try to Save Time

In a hurry to arrive at their destination on time, drivers may tailgate. They hope the driver in front of them will move faster so that they can drive faster, too.

3. Believe They Won’t be Punished

Drivers may tailgate and never cause an accident, wreck their vehicle or get pulled over. Because they aren’t punished, they continue to drive aggressively.

4. Exercise Road Rage

Some drivers are angry and take their emotions out on other drivers. This road rage can result in habitual tailgating.

5. Lack of Manners

Some drivers simply do not possess good manners like kindness, selflessness and cooperation. Instead, they act rudely as they drive.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Tailgaters

No matter how fast or slow you drive, you could be targeted by tailgaters. Try several tips to protect yourself.

Give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination so you don’t have to rush.
Follow at a safe distance, leaving at least three seconds between you the vehicles you follow.
Ignore rude behavior and remain calm.
Move over and allow tailgaters to pass.
Report aggressive drivers to 911.

Drivers who tailgate create dangerous conditions on the road for you and other drivers. Unfortunately, you could be a victim of this aggressive behavior and may need a lawyer’s assistance. If so, contact Zanes Law.

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