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Why some drivers don’t maintain a proper following distance 

On Behalf of | Feb 5, 2025 | Car And Truck Accidents

Some tailgaters are fully aware that they are not maintaining a proper following distance—they simply do not care. They may intentionally try to intimidate the driver in front of them, bullying them into driving faster.

However, there are also tailgaters who genuinely believe they are following at a safe distance, but who are mistaken. For instance, a driver may only be two seconds behind the car ahead of them. While they know that a three- or four-second gap is recommended, the distance looks big enough, and they believe they could stop in time.

How long does it really take to stop?

The problem is that many drivers do not know how long it actually takes to stop their car. They imagine stopping as something they can do instantly, as soon as they need to.

However, even under the best circumstances, this is not true. Many drivers are distracted or fatigued, which causes a slight delay in their reaction time.

Even if a driver reacts immediately, studies show that it still takes approximately 0.75 seconds to recognize the need to stop and another 0.75 seconds to move their foot to the brake pedal. In other words, even if they are staring at the vehicle ahead and waiting to brake, it will still take them at least 1.5 seconds before they even begin slowing down.

Most drivers, however, are not hyper-focused on the traffic around them. They assume they have a safe following distance—until they suddenly realize there’s no way to avoid a crash.

Seeking financial compensation

Have you been injured in an accident caused by a negligent tailgater? If so, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.