Statistics provided by The Arizona Department of Transportation demonstrate that rear-end collisions, caused by tailgating, is the leading cause of the 85,000 automobile accidents throughout Arizona in 2011.
Tailgating is defined as driving too closely to another automobile, which is also one of the most dangerous driving practices many individuals demonstrate every day on our Arizona roadways. In many cases, ignorant individuals may not even recognize they are following too closely until it is too late. In other instances aggressive drivers may be tailgating because they are in a hurry and believe they can control the automobile in front of them, thus resulting in an accident.
If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident caused by the error or negligence of another individual, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses and damages including; medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
What Does It Mean to Tailgate?
Tailgating refers to the practice of following a vehicle too closely. It is also known as “riding the bumper” of the leading vehicle. This dangerous driving behavior increases the risk of a collision.
When a driver tailgates, he or she puts themselves and other drivers at risk. The risk of collision increases due to failing to allow enough space to react or stop in case of an emergency.
Tailgating can cause the following driver to hit the leading vehicle when it suddenly stops or slows down. The driver in front might also feel pressured to drive faster or make impulsive decisions.
Is Tailgating Illegal?
Arizona law states that the “driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable,” and tailgating usually leaves an unreasonable distance between vehicles. The penalties for tailgating can result in a fine, points on a driver’s license, or in some cases, a driver’s license suspension.
To avoid tailgating, a driver must maintain a safe following distance. This is typically considered to be 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front. The proper following distance allows the driver enough time to react and stop in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down.
Tailgating Is a Common Problem in the US
Tailgating is, unfortunately, a common driving behavior in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident. Tailgating is one leading cause of such accidents.
Studies conducted by the NHTSA and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that tailgating is a significant problem on US roads. These agencies determined that almost half of rear-end collisions on freeways were caused by tailgating.
The practice is disturbingly common. Some 80 percent of drivers surveyed admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating at least once in the past year.
Causes of Tailgating in Phoenix
Every year, in the United States, there is an estimated 6.8 million car accidents, many of which are caused by aggressive drivers. These aggressive driving practices almost always result in tailgating, in turn causing accidents. In most cases, aggressive drivers will exhibit certain actions such as; speeding, disobeying the rules of the road, and frequent and sudden lane changes.
A few causes of tailgating include:
- Ignorant driving An individual is completely unaware they are following too closely
- Impatient driving An individual is trying to get around the car in front of them/li>
- Road rage An individual demonstrating aggression towards another driver
Our attorneys recommend that we practice defensive driving in order to avoid an accident with individuals following too closely to our vehicles. It is also wise to keep in mind that we should do anything to further provoke these drivers such as quickly applying the brakes, excessively reducing speeds, or flashing the brake lights, as these actions may aggravate the already aggressive driver and escalate the current situation.
Injuries Caused by Tailgating Accidents
Depending on the speed of which is being traveled, the severity of tailgating accident injuries may vary. Of course, the most common injury associated with tailgating is whiplash injuries due to the fact that these injuries are caused by a force causing the head to quickly move away from the body.
In fact, statistics show that for every six million individuals involved in a low speed rear impact collision, three million will suffer from injury, while 10 percent of these individuals suffer from whiplash injuries.
A few more injuries caused by tailgating include:
Typically, more severe injuries, such as concussions, may not appear immediately following the accident, thus is important to seek medical attention directly after you have been involved in an accident. Furthermore, these medical documents can be used to formulate a case against these negligent individuals in the court of law.
Avoiding Tailgate Accidents
Throughout Arizona, we will find that many people will decide to tailgate no matter what dangers they pose to surrounding motorists. These individuals seem to disregard the quality of their own lives along with the lives of individuals traveling in their vicinity. As a result, we must take the correct steps to do our best to avoid a collision with these reckless and ignorant individuals.
A few tips to avoid tailgating accidents include:
- Allow a 10 feet gap for every 10 miles per hour
- Driving in the right lane and passing in the left
- Double following distances in adverse weather conditions
- Abide by the speed limit
- Practice defensive driving techniques
- Recognize stopping times for motorcycles and commercial vehicles
Many times these tips will help us avoid tailgating accidents, however sometimes these reckless drivers may cause an accident no matter what we do to prevent this from occurring. In these instances, the attorneys at Phillips Law Group are here to defend your rights against these negligent individuals.
Contact Our Phoenix Tailgating Attorney Today
At The Phillips Law Group, our personal injury attorneys believe that if a negligent individual causes harm to you or a family member, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for their losses and damages in the court of law. Our attorneys also believe that these negligent individuals must be held completely responsible for their actions, thus we will seek the maximum compensation available for your losses and damages.
With our main headquarter in Phoenix; we serve the entire state of Arizona and beyond.
Some of the areas locations we serve include:
- Gilbert
- Maryvale
- Surprise
- Wittmann
- Buckeye
- New River
- Cave Creek
- Fort McDowell
To learn more about how our attorneys can help you seek justice in the court of law during your time of need, or to schedule your free no-obligation case review, we welcome you to contact our firm today. Furthermore, our attorneys all operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we will not charge you for our services unless a favorable verdict or settlement has been made.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines following too closely as a situation where one vehicle is following another in such proximity that if the first vehicle were to brake suddenly, the second driver could not avoid a collision even when being attentive to the vehicle ahead. This driving behavior, also known as tailgating, is the leading cause of rear-end accidents. In fact, in an FMCSA study published in 2007, inadequate following distance was attributed as the cause in 5% of large truck crashes in the U.S.
If you have been injured in a car accident contact our skilled personal injury attorneys in Tucson today for a free legal consultation.
Tailgating limits a driver’s reaction time and the ability to maneuver when the vehicle in front brakes or comes to a sudden stop. Rear end accidents are the most common type of collision here in Arizona, accounting for over 45% in 2011, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. These accidents caused nearly 12,000 injuries and 65 fatalities.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle collision due to the negligent behavior of another motorist, the attorneys at Phillips Law Group are here to help you.
You deserve to know your legal rights. Contact us today by filling out the Free Case Review form to your right. It’s 100% confidential and always free.
Reasons Drivers Follow Too Closely
Tailgating is a serious contributor to auto accidents and is one of the marked signs of aggressive driving. In some instances, sheer ignorance on the part of the driver can be the cause for tailgating, but some form of aggressive driving is usually the culprit.
Some reasons drivers follow too closely include:
In order to avoid an accident and keep from following too closely, it is important for a motorist to be mindful of surrounding vehicles and to stay alert.
How to Avoid an Accident
While it is common for drivers education classes to teach the guidelines of proper following distance, this is one of the facts that can later evade the driver’s mindset and allow for reckless behavior such as tailgating.
To maintain proper following distance, one should follow this equation:
Under 40 MPH: length of leading vehicle/10 = seconds in following distance
Over 40 MPH: length of leading vehicle/10 x 2 = seconds in following distance
- Always allow adequate following distance
- Heed all posted speed limits
- Stay right except to pass
- Practice defensive driving
- Increase following distance in poor weather
- Increase following distance while behind large trucks or motorcycles
In most cases, a driver who is tailgating is concerned with arriving at a destination on time. It is not wise to retaliate with verbal measures, by slowing down or making other passive-aggressive maneuvers; this only contributes to the danger in such a situation. If you are being followed by an aggressive driver, you are advised to move out of the driver’s way, either by changing lanes or pulling over.
Injuries in Accidents Caused by Following Too Closely
Rear-end accidents can be a mere fender bender or a severe multi-car pileup, depending on the negligence of the responsible driver. This can result in a variety of injuries, including:
Other injuries are also possible, as is permanent damage such as paralysis or even wrongful death. If you have been involved in a rear-end accident caused by an aggressive driver who was following too closely, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose any injuries, whether symptoms are present or not.
Contact Our Auto Accident Law Firm
Today’s crowded highways and byways may be a nuisance when behind the wheel, but there is simply no excuse for ignoring safety. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to forego safe driving habits in favor of speed. If such negligence has led to trauma for you or a loved one, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the damages you have sustained.
The auto accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group have experience with cases involving aggressive drivers who follow too closely. We fight to pursue justice on behalf of victims like you.
Our personal injury lawyers are proud to serve clients in the following areas through our offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Salt Lake City and San Diego:
- Mesa, AZ
- Surprise, AZ
- Drexel Heights, AZ
- Catalina Foothills, AZ
- Millcreek, UT
- Bountiful, UT
- Imperial Beach, CA
- Santee, CA
- and many surrounding cities and towns
Find out how we may be able to defend your rights and pursue compensation for your hardships. Call us today in Arizona to discuss your legal options.
Submit our Free Case Review form at the top of this page to expedite your evaluation its 100% free and completely confidential. You will be contacted by a member of our staff.
Available 24/7