Whether you’re in a traffic jam or you’re just trying to get someplace fast, your inner speed demon may unleash and take over when you are driving. In this altered state you may truly believe that riding the rear of a vehicle going too slow for you is the right way to make traffic go as fast as you need it to go. But following too closely, better known as tailgating, won’t help you get anywhere much faster. In fact, it can reduce your speed to zero, especially if you get in an accident or get pulled over for reckless driving or road rage.
Nearly 4,800 drivers are cited for following too closely and causing car crashes each year, according to reports from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Nearly 26 percent of accidents caused by drivers who follow too closely result in injuries. In addition nearly 60 of these types of accidents result in the deaths of at least one involved individual.
Laws Prohibiting Tailgating
Although you may not think that tailgating is a big deal or you think that you have the reflexes to stop on a dime, following too closely is a serious hazard on Arizona roads. Arizona lawmakers and authorities know how dangerous tailgating can be and employ laws for drivers to help lower the number of serious accidents that result from tailgating.
ARS 28-730 requires drivers on Arizona roads to provide a safe and reasonable distance between their own vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them at all times. In most cases, Arizona drivers do not follow this law, and leave less than a car’s length between themselves and the vehicle ahead of them. In many accidents that involve tailgating there was but a few inches or feet between the involved vehicles.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Tailgating Accident
Being tailgated is stressful enough when you’re on the road, and if the tailgating becomes a rear-end accident you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney. Attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer at the Breyer Law Offices will help you get the financial assistance you need from the at-fault driver. We will do whatever it takes to secure compensation for your injuries, medical care, vehicle damages and repairs and your emotional trauma. For help getting a fair resolution to your injury case contact the Husband and Wife Law Team.