What is tailgating?

Tailgating refers to the practice of following another vehicle too closely, which reduces the reaction time available in case the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. Maintaining a safe distance is crucial for preventing rear-end collisions, allowing enough space to react to unexpected situations.

Understanding the importance of maintaining a safe following distance is critical for road safety. This distance can vary depending on the speed and conditions of the road, as well as the size and type of the vehicles involved. By keeping a safe distance, drivers can ensure they have adequate time to react to the actions of the vehicle in front of them.

The other options describe behaviors that are unsafe or illegal but do not relate to the definition of tailgating specifically. For instance, driving on the left side of the road is a matter of roadway rules that vary by location; changing lanes without signaling violates lane change protocols; and parking too close to another car focuses on parking etiquette rather than driving behavior.