How to Avoid Auto Accidents and Tailgating
Avoiding auto accidents caused by tailgating is not always easy. For too many drivers, tailgating is a habit. In fact, tailgating is among the leading causes of auto accidents, playing a role in about one in three crashes. Tailgaters are especially prone to collisions because they leave no room for error. They endanger not only other drivers, but also themselves. For four generations, the personal injury attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau in Daytona Beach, FL have worked on behalf of tailgating accident victims to ensure they receive full compensation for their damages.
Why Do People Tailgate?
Tailgating is driving too fast in close proximity to the vehicle in front of you. As a result, tailgaters have a difficult time avoiding collisions when traffic slows or stops abruptly. Although tailgating is illegal in Florida, that does not deter some drivers. Why do they do it?
- Save Time: A driver who is in a crunch for time may tailgate in hopes of reaching their destination faster. Tailgating can intimidate the driver in front of them to speed up or move out of the way.
- Road Rage: Aggressive driving, of which tailgating is a common form, causes two-thirds of road fatalities. Drivers may be angry at the person in front of them for moving too slowly and attempt to scare them into going faster or drive them off the road.
- Distractions: Sometimes drivers tailgate without realizing it. Talking on the phone, talking to another passenger, and playing with the radio are common distractions that lead to tailgating accidents.
- Inexperience: Young drivers may tailgate without meaning to. This is a judgment error caused by inexperience.
How Can I Reduce My Likelihood of Being in an Accident?
It can be nerve-wracking having another car bearing down on you from behind. If you are being tailgated, take the following steps to decrease your likelihood of getting in a serious wreck.
- Check your speed: Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. Check your speed to see if you are driving the speed limit. If you are not, either increase your speed to the legal limit or, when you can do so safely, change lanes to the right.
- Let them pass: If you are driving the speed limit and the driver behind you will not stop tailgating, let them pass you.
- Avoid confrontation: No matter how tempting it may be, slowing down to irritate another driver is always a bad decision. If they pass you, do not return the favor simply to catch a glance of your new adversary. You do not know the other driver. They may be armed and looking for a fight. No matter what, try to maintain a safe distance.
What Should I Do if I am in an Accident?
If a driver smashes into your car from behind, causing injury, contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau as soon as possible. We are an experienced team of personal injury attorneys that will work to maximize compensation for the injuries and damages you have endured. To schedule a free review of your case, visit us online or call us at (866) 610-0653 today.