The Dangers of Tailgating

People tailgate for a number of reasons. Some drivers are running late so they anxiously inch up closer and closer to the car in front of them. Other drivers want the car in front of them to drive faster, so they get close to them in an effort to get them to drive faster or change lanes. Regardless of the reason, tailgating is never a good idea. Why? Here are some of the dangers of tailgating:

Rear End Accidents

Tailgaters leave very little room between their car and the car in front of them. As a result, the tailgater will not have enough space to safely brake or move out of the way if the car in front of him suddenly comes to a stop. This is why tailgating often leads to rear end collisions, which can seriously injure the drivers and passengers involved in the accident.

Distracted Driving

The person who is tailgating you is probably focusing all of his attention on getting as close to you as possible. But, drivers have to pay attention to more than just the car in front of them if they want to avoid an accident. Tailgaters may ignore traffic signs, lights, and other cars on the road, which puts everyone around them in danger.

Affects the Other Driver

A driver who is being tailgated may become distracted by the presence of the other vehicle. The driver may start to get nervous that the car is going to bump into him, or may anxiously try to change lanes to get out of the tailgater’s way. This takes his attention off of the road, and may cause him to make sudden, dangerous maneuvers.

What should you do if you are being tailgated? First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm so you can think clearly. Don’t make any rude gestures to the car behind you. This may anger the driver and cause him to act more aggressively. Take your time and wait for an opportunity to move to another lane. If you’re on a single lane road, you can try to drive slightly to the right so the car behind you can see oncoming traffic and decide whether he wants to pass you. You should always drive at a constant speed, and don’t feel pressured to go above the speed limit just because you have someone who is on your tail.

Even if you follow these tips, you may still be injured in an accident caused by a tailgater. If this is the case, contact personal injury attorney James Rush at Rush Injury Law right away. James Rush can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Schedule a free consultation with us today by calling 415-897-4801 or filling out the online form on our website www.rushinjurylaw.com .