Have you ever been driving down the road only to look in your mirror and see another motorist closer behind than you would like? It can be unnerving and you may be worried that they will run into the back of you if you brake.
Most motorists have experienced having someone too close behind them at some point, so why do so many continue to follow others so closely?
Impatience and aggression
Some people are in a hurry when driving and may sit close to the car because they think it will give them a better chance of passing as soon as a gap opens up. Others sit on the bumper of another vehicle to make their frustration clear to the motorist in front in the hope they will speed up or get out of the way.
Ignorance is often the issue
Things can look very different when you are driving the vehicle behind than when you are in the one in front. What feels too close when it’s someone following you, might feel far enough back when it is you doing the following.
How close is too close?
You should never be less than three seconds behind the vehicle in front. Doing so puts you at a high risk of running into the back of it.
Staying further back than three seconds is essential if other factors could reduce your ability to react and stop quickly. These include being tired or having your mind on other things, your tires or brakes being due for replacement or the road surface being wet, icy or loose.
If a crash occurs, it will be important to learn about your legal options, whether you were in front or behind.
