The Massachusetts Safe Roads Alliance said that tailgating is the nation’s most common form of vehicular crash. They also claim that Massachusetts is first in the nation for tailgating crashes.   That makes us the worst of the worst.   We all know why – we all drive close enough to keep other drivers from cutting into our lane.  

 

We disregard safety for the tiny amount of time we might save by keeping that other guy from cutting in front of us.      

 

The National Safety Council recommends a minimum three-second following distance under normal driving circumstances. From the first sign of trouble to the time you have to react, three seconds pass. It doesn’t matter what kind of road or what your speed is, this is the minimal (yes, minimal) reaction time. If you’re driving in rain, snow or other some other inclement weather you need even more time. 

 

Rear end collisions are almost always preventable. This kind of collision generally happens when you’re following too closely, and/or are not paying attention.

 

·        While driving pick out a sign or pole on the side of the road.

·        When the vehicle in front of you passes it count off three seconds.

·        The front of your vehicle should not reach the marker before you reach three.

·        If you pass the marker before you reach the count of three, back off and try again.