Why is tailgating (driving too close behind the vehicle in front) dangerous?
- A The braking system is less efficient in the slipstream of the vehicle in front.
- B The engine may overheat because of restricted air flow over the vehicle's engine.
- C The vehicle will not have sufficient distance to stop safely in an emergency.
- D The vehicle will exceed the speed limit.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: The vehicle will not have sufficient distance to stop safely in an emergency..
If you drive too close to the vehicle in front and it brakes suddenly; you will not have enough time to react. For that reason you should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. One way of calculating a safe distance in dry weather is the two-second rule: allow at least two seconds to elapse between the vehicle in front and your own vehicle passing a fixed point such as a lamp post or sign post.
If you drive too close to the vehicle in front and it brakes suddenly; you will not have enough time to react. For that reason you should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. One way of calculating a safe distance in dry weather is the two-second rule: allow at least two seconds to elapse between the vehicle in front and your own vehicle passing a fixed point such as a lamp post or sign post.