What is tailgating?

Tailgating refers to the practice of following too closely behind another vehicle while driving. This behavior can create a dangerous situation because it reduces the time a driver has to react if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or encounters an obstacle. When maintaining a safe following distance, drivers should ideally allow at least a few car lengths between their vehicle and the one ahead, depending on factors such as speed and road conditions. Tailgating can lead to accidents, as it significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. In contrast, the other options describe different driving behaviors that do not pertain to the proximity of one vehicle to another. For example, driving too slowly on the highway can frustrate other drivers, making it a separate concern, while improper parking and abrupt lane changes relate to different driving standards and safety practices.