Tailgating increases risks of crashes and road rage. You might not be able to define aggressive driving, but you likely know it when you see it. One of the most common types of aggressive driving is following too closely, which is commonly known as tailgating.
Aggressive tailgaters can be more than just a nuisance. They cause countless collisions—from fender benders to violent crashes—and may even trigger road rage incidents when they suddenly appear in rear-view mirrors.
"Even if they’re not intentionally aggressive, drivers who tailgate frequently will cause a crash or fail to avoid one,” says State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald.
According to state law, drivers “shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent” based on the speed of the vehicle, road conditions, and traffic. There were more than 5,700 convictions for following another vehicle too closely in Wisconsin last year.
A violation of the law costs $200.50 along with three demerit points assessed on a driver’s license. In addition, car insurance premiums often skyrocket for drivers who hit another vehicle while following too closely.
“For their own safety and the safety of others on the road, drivers should be patient, slowdown and maintain a safe distance from vehicles near them especially when approaching intersections or changing lanes,” Superintendent Fitzgerald says. “To avoid rear-end crashes, they should anticipate potentially hazardous situations, like traffic slowdowns in work zones, that could cause the vehicles ahead to stop suddenly. A fine for following too closely in a work zone is double the normal amount.”
“During the heavily traveled summer driving season and throughout the year, it’s always smart to buckle your safety belt in case your vehicle is hit by a tailgater,” says Superintendent Fitzgerald. “Taking a few seconds to ensure that you and your passengers are buckled up can be a lifesaver. And it’s the law.”
Aggressive tailgaters can be more than just a nuisance. They cause countless collisions—from fender benders to violent crashes—and may even trigger road rage incidents when they suddenly appear in rear-view mirrors.
"Even if they’re not intentionally aggressive, drivers who tailgate frequently will cause a crash or fail to avoid one,” says State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald.
According to state law, drivers “shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent” based on the speed of the vehicle, road conditions, and traffic. There were more than 5,700 convictions for following another vehicle too closely in Wisconsin last year.
A violation of the law costs $200.50 along with three demerit points assessed on a driver’s license. In addition, car insurance premiums often skyrocket for drivers who hit another vehicle while following too closely.
“For their own safety and the safety of others on the road, drivers should be patient, slowdown and maintain a safe distance from vehicles near them especially when approaching intersections or changing lanes,” Superintendent Fitzgerald says. “To avoid rear-end crashes, they should anticipate potentially hazardous situations, like traffic slowdowns in work zones, that could cause the vehicles ahead to stop suddenly. A fine for following too closely in a work zone is double the normal amount.”
“During the heavily traveled summer driving season and throughout the year, it’s always smart to buckle your safety belt in case your vehicle is hit by a tailgater,” says Superintendent Fitzgerald. “Taking a few seconds to ensure that you and your passengers are buckled up can be a lifesaver. And it’s the law.”