What is Tailgating?

North Carolina law requires drivers to leave a safe following distance between their vehicle and the car in front of theirs. Drivers are generally advised to follow the two-second rule, which means at least two seconds should pass between the time the lead driver passes a fixed object and the time the car behind passes that same object. If road conditions are bad, motorists should leave even more of a gap.

Unfortunately, many drivers fail to leave appropriate space between their vehicle and the car in front. Following a car too closely is called tailgating and it is considered to be a form of aggressive driving, according to the Charlotte Observer.

A tailgating driver will likely be unable to slow down or stop in time if the car in front of his unexpectedly slows or comes to a stop. As a result, the tailgating driver could strike the back of the lead car and cause a rear-end collision.

Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of collisions in North Carolina and these accidents can cause serious and even fatal injuries. Back and neck injuries, including whiplash, are especially common, even in slow-speed rear end crashes.

A driver who tailgates and who causes a rear-end collision is generally presumed to have been unreasonably careless while driving since a safe driver would have left enough of a gap to avoid hitting the back of a car. The rear driver could be held accountable for losses resulting from the crash he caused.

An experienced North Carolina auto accident attorney can help victims of tailgating accidents to hold drivers accountable for collision injuries. Contact Auger & Auger today to learn how we can help you to prove a case against a tailgating driver so you can obtain compensation for losses.