Tailgating and Car Accidents in Arizona

Tailgating is an all-too-common occurrence on the road, and this form of aggressive driving leads to many accidents that result in both injuries as well as deaths. Tailgating can lead to very serious rear-end crashes. These types of motor vehicle accidents have been the cause of 5,100 deaths from 2012 through 2014, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Tailgating Behavior

People will drive aggressively for many reasons. The most common reasons that drivers will tailgate include:

• Some drivers tend to tailgate to keep the space they prefer around their vehicle and dissuade any other cars from encroaching in front of them.
• When a driver is running low on time and is trying to get to a destination, they may speed and try to push the driver in front of them by driving very close to the car, forcing the driver in front to move out of the way or increase their speed.
• Some drivers are aggressive in how they behave on the road, and if they have never been pulled over and cited for this behavior, they lose the fear that they will be in the future. This behavior becomes a pattern that they continue to engage in every time they are on the road.
• Distracted driving and not allowing the appropriate amount of space between your car and the others around you. A driver may not be paying attention to the road and instead, they may be looking at something else like their cellphones, which causes them to drive closely to the car in front of them.

Defensive Driving From Tailgaters

Even the most proactive, safe drivers will get tailgated at some point. It is a very common behavior on the road. So how can you defend yourself? Here are some tips:

• Plan each trip you take with plenty of time to arrive at your destination so you aren’t tempted to tailgate yourself or feel rushed on the road.
• Keep an appropriate amount of space between you and the car in front of you in case you need to stop. At least three seconds will suffice.
• Stay calm and alert of your surroundings. Try not to engage in rude or aggressive behaviors.
• Allow any tailgater to pass you.
• Pullover and report aggressive drivers to 911.

Arizona Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys

Tailgating can cause serious accidents. It is one of the leading factors that cause approximately one-third of all crashes on the roads throughout the United States. When you have been targeted by a distracted or aggressive driver that has breached their duty of care on the road and caused you harm, you need the help and support of an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney at ELG Law. Our team of Phoenix car accident attorneys will fight for your legal rights to obtain the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Don’t hesitate to call one of our resourceful attorneys at either our Phoenix or Mesa, Arizona law offices at 623-562-3838.