What is a common cause of rear-end collisions?

Following too closely behind another vehicle is a primary cause of rear-end collisions. This behavior, often referred to as tailgating, reduces the driver's ability to react in time to sudden stops or slowdowns by the vehicle ahead. When a driver does not maintain a safe following distance, they risk not having adequate time to brake, especially if the vehicle in front unexpectedly decreases speed or comes to a stop. This can result in a collision, as the tailgating driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid striking the rear of the leading vehicle.

Maintaining a safe following distance allows drivers to react to emergencies and changes in traffic conditions more effectively, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. This principle of defensive driving emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers to ensure safety on the road.