How common are tailgating accidents in Pennsylvania?

cars tailgating

When driving the speed limit, there’s nothing scarier than an aggressive driver behind you, as it can distract your focus from the road ahead. While it can be frustrating to travel behind someone who isn’t keeping up with the flow of traffic, it’s essential to understand how dangerous tailgating is. If you’ve been injured due to an aggressive driver, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how motor vehicle accident attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating is dangerous, as it involves driving behind another driver at an extremely short distance. Also known as “riding a bumper,” this is an aggressive practice, as the closer someone is to another car, the less reaction time they have. This means if the vehicle in front were to brake suddenly to avoid a hazard, the driver behind might not be able to stop before colliding with the other driver.

Generally, tailgating is an intimidating act intended to scare the driver in front of them to move over or speed up. More often than not, drivers who tailgate know what they are doing. Tailgating is also a leading cause of accidents, as they lead to rear-end collisions.

How do I avoid a tailgating accident?

If someone is tailgating you, try not to focus on them. Instead, continue driving as normal. If you’re on a two-lane highway, move into the right lane, as this is typically the slow lane. You should also refrain from tapping your brakes, also known as brake-checking, the driver behind you. This can make the driver more aggressive, causing them to get closer and more sporadic.

When following behind someone, keeping a safe distance is crucial. You should keep at least a two-second distance between you and the car in front of you. To check, find a stationary object in the distance. When the taillights of the driver in front of you are in line with the fixed item, it should take you two seconds to pass the fixture. If not, you should increase the distance.

What should I do if I’m injured?

If injured due to an aggressive driver, you’ll need to take the correct steps to protect yourself. Immediately following the accident, you’ll want to seek emergency medical attention for any injuries sustained. If the wounds are not emergent, you can wait to see your primary care doctor. You should also take photos and videos of the damage done. However, it’s essential to note that the aggressive driver may be angry because of their negligence, so you should avoid interacting with them until the police arrive.

It’s also essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. When you need a lawyer, Friedman Schuman is ready to help. Our dedicated legal team has the experience you need to help get you the justice you deserve. Contact our firm today to connect with a seasoned attorney.

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