We Need To Talk About A Critical Driving Mistake: Tailgating

It happens to everyone at some point—you’re cruising down the highway or navigating through city streets, when you glance in your rearview mirror and see someone riding dangerously close to your bumper.

But what many drivers don’t realize is that following too closely, also known as “tailgating,” is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes people make on the road. Whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle, not keeping a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you at all times could lead to a devastating accident.



Why Following Too Closely Is So Dangerous

Imagine this scenario: you’re driving along a country road when a deer suddenly jumps in front of your car. You slam on the brakes, narrowly avoiding the deer, but what happens next is out of your control. The driver behind you, following too closely, doesn’t have enough time to react. They crash into your car, and the car behind them crashes into theirs, resulting in an accordion-style wreck. It’s a nightmare for everyone involved—and the kind of crash that can be easily avoided.

According to the NHTSA, Following too closely doesn’t give you enough time to react to the unexpected. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden stop, an obstacle in the road, or a vehicle making an abrupt turn, if you’re tailgating, you won’t have enough space to respond safely. This is especially important for motorcycle riders, where the stakes are even higher.


The Three-Second Rule: Your Key to Safe Driving

stylistic first-person image of a rearview mirror with headlights and the words "Danger Approaching" followed by the text "The 3 Second Difference"

So how can you avoid this critical driving mistake? The answer is simple: use the three-second rule.

The three-second rule is a universal guideline that adjusts for speed and conditions, ensuring you’re always at a safe distance. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick a fixed point on the road—this could be a road sign, a tree, or even a shadow.
  2. When the vehicle in front of you passes that point, begin counting: “1,001, 1,002, 1,003.”
  3. If you pass that same point before you reach “1,003,” you’re following too closely. Back off until you have a full three-second buffer.

This rule applies at any speed. Whether you’re driving 30 miles per hour in town or 70 miles per hour on the highway, the three-second gap allows for the appropriate reaction time based on your speed.


Adjusting for Speed and Conditions

A motorcycle passes a car on a highway at high speeds.

When we talk to people about the three second rule, many say the same thing: “Isn’t three car lengths the same thing?” No, no it’s not. It’s important to remember that three car lengths might work at low speeds, but when you’re traveling faster, the distance needs to increase. 

Think of it this way: the faster you’re moving, the longer it will take to come to a stop if something unexpected happens. By sticking to the three-second rule, you can ensure that your following distance is appropriate no matter what speed you’re going.


Passing Safely: The Three-Second Rule Still Applies

Dan Matzdorff, Jon Jansen, and Pete Leehey, The Biker Lawyers riding motorcycles on a highway

You might be wondering, “What about when I’m passing someone?” If you’re passing, you still aren’t clear of making the critical driving mistake. It’s true that while passing, you’ll naturally be within that three-second margin for a short period. However, once you’ve passed, it’s crucial to restore that buffer.

If you’ve ever been passed while riding a motorcycle only to have to hit the brakes because the other driver cut you off before getting far enough ahead, you know the feeling. 

So, let’s flip it. You’re on a bike passing another driver on the road. After passing, you should never pull back into the lane in front of the other vehicle until you’ve created that same three-second gap. This is especially critical for motorcyclists. If you pull back in too soon and something forces you to brake suddenly—like an animal darting into the road—you risk being hit from behind, and on a motorcycle, the consequences can be even more severe.


The Science Behind Reaction Time

A visual representation of the importance of reaction time by illustrating that 55 miles per hour is equal to 80.6667 feet per second, meaning if danger is 10 feet away, impact is imminent in 0.124 seconds

Here’s a fact that most drivers and riders don’t know: the average person takes about 1.5 seconds to perceive a danger and start reacting to it. 

If you’re following too closely and only have one or two seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you, that 1.5 seconds of reaction time could mean the difference between avoiding a crash or slamming into the back of the vehicle.

Motorcycle Riders: Give Yourself Extra Space

For motorcyclists, the three-second rule is even more vital. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have the protection of a metal frame. In a crash, bikers are much more vulnerable to severe injury or death. I’ve handled countless cases where a motorcyclist was following too closely, only to end up smashing through the back windshield of the car in front of them. It’s a tragic and entirely preventable situation.


What to Do If You See a Crash

A slightly blurred photo of a car accident scene, focusing on the aftermath rather than the moment of impact.

Following the three-second rule will dramatically reduce your chances of being involved in a collision, but sometimes accidents happen anyway. Let’s say you heed our advice. Imagine you’re following a pack of cars you know are following each other too closely and, sure enough, someone slams their brakes causing a pancake collision. You were back far enough that you avoided being involved in the crash, but what do you do now? 

Check out our guide to handling roadside accidents to learn the steps you need to take to protect yourself and others.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the roads safer for yourself and everyone around you. The three-second rule is simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and ensure you arrive safely at your destination. And remember, if you or a loved one is injured in an accident, call The Biker Lawyers at (319) 294-4424 for your free consultation and make sure your rights are protected!