The Art of Confident Driving

Tailgating: Road Rage or Rookie mistake?

14 snips
May 10, 2025
Tailgating is a major driving complaint and a leading cause of crashes. Instructor Liz reveals why some drivers tailgate and discusses its legal risks. She explains how to assess a safe following distance and the importance of reaction time to prevent accidents. Liz categorizes tailgaters into three types: distracted, rushing, and serial, outlining their behaviors. She touches on public monitoring initiatives and offers valuable tips for supporting learner drivers. The key takeaway? Maintain space, be patient, and enjoy a safer journey.
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INSIGHT

Rear-End Crashes Are The Most Common

  • Rear-end (nose-to-tail) collisions are the most common claim type according to insurers.
  • Tailgating and speeding are the two main causes of these crashes.
ADVICE

Maintain A Minimum Two-Second Gap

  • Keep at least a two-second gap (check your state; NSW may require three seconds).
  • Use that space to ensure reaction time and avoid rear-end collisions.
ADVICE

Use Demo Videos To Judge Gaps

  • Use government videos or guided lessons to learn how to judge the two-second gap.
  • Practice the method until judging gaps becomes automatic.
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