What is tailgating?

Tailgating refers specifically to the act of driving too closely behind another vehicle. This behavior can create dangerous driving conditions, as it reduces the driver's ability to react in time if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for safety, giving drivers adequate time to respond to changes in traffic conditions.

In contrast, driving at high speeds is a separate issue that relates to speed limits and reckless driving, while parallel parking deals with maneuvering a vehicle into a parking space alongside another vehicle. Merging lanes involves the process of changing from one lane to another, which, while important for safe driving, is also distinct from tailgating. Understanding the definition of tailgating is essential for promoting road safety and preventing rear-end collisions.