What is "tailgating"?

Tailgating refers to the practice of following another vehicle too closely, which can significantly increase the risk of a rear-end collision. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for allowing sufficient reaction time to unexpected changes in traffic conditions, such as sudden stops or slowdowns by the vehicle ahead.

When a driver tailgates, they reduce their ability to react safely to the movement or braking of the vehicle in front of them, potentially leading to accidents. Safe driving guidelines typically recommend that drivers keep at least a three-second distance from the vehicle ahead, which can be adjusted based on speed, road conditions, and weather.

The other options, while representing behaviors that may lead to unsafe driving situations, do not capture the specific definition of tailgating. For instance, driving too slowly can hinder traffic flow but does not directly relate to the concept of following another vehicle too closely. Similarly, changing lanes without signaling and stopping abruptly may also cause hazards on the road but do not describe the act of tailgating.