Commercial drivers have a great deal of responsibility because they operate large, heavy vehicles while sharing the road with vulnerable road users. Commercial vehicles are potentially dangerous in traffic, often especially if the drivers operating them follow other vehicles too closely.
Tailgating is risky for any driver, but the consequences can be catastrophic when a large truck is involved. Therefore, commercial drivers should maintain a safe following distance in traffic to avoid the potential dangers of following other vehicles too closely.
Longer stopping distances
Truck drivers should be aware that commercial vehicles have a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. These vehicles take longer to come to a complete halt because they’re significantly heavier than most vehicles.
This is reason enough for truck drivers to maintain a decent following distance between them and the vehicle ahead. Failure to do so can result in a catastrophic rear-end collision due to sudden changes in traffic that cause the vehicle ahead to slow down or stop.
Limited visibility
Truck drivers often navigate traffic with significant blind stops around them due to the size of the vehicles they’re operating. The last thing they should do is further limit their visibility by tailgating the vehicle ahead of them.
When a truck driver is following the vehicle in front too closely, they may be unable to see what is happening ahead. Their limited visibility can prevent them from anticipating sudden changes in traffic, like a stopped vehicle on the road or a sudden slowdown.
Reduced reaction time
The reality of navigating traffic is that drivers never know exactly when a sudden event may occur on the road. That is why traffic regulations stipulate that drivers should maintain a decent following distance between each other. When a vehicle, especially a truck, tailgates the vehicle in front, the driver has a reduced reaction time to respond to these changes in traffic. Truck drivers may not respond quickly enough to:
- Sudden stops
- Lane changes
- Obstacles on the road
The reduced reaction time due to tailgating increases the likelihood of collisions, which can lead to devastating consequences for all involved.
Motorists who get rear-ended by a truck driver who was tailgating them may have to deal with significant damages to their vehicle and physical injuries. With reputable legal support, they can work to hold the at-fault party for their disregard for traffic regulations.