Do Traffic Police Pay Attention to Tailgaters?

As an experienced traffic police officer, I often face the challenge of catching and prosecuting tailgaters. While measuring speed with radar is straightforward, identifying tailgaters can be quite challenging.

The Difficulties of Catching a Tailgater

Visual Evidence: Observing a vehicle following another too closely can be difficult, especially on two-lane roads. The contour of the road and the lack of stationary points make it hard to determine the distance accurately. Legal Stops: In my experience, making a legal stop to catch a tailgater can be challenging. For instance, during a recent four-month period, I managed to make a stop based on clear evidence of a tailgater after spotting it for seven miles. The key was a small bridge that took less than two seconds to cross, allowing me to capture the violation. Freeway vs. Two-Lane Roads: However, it's much easier to catch tailgaters on freeways. Where the road is wider, I can pull alongside the offending vehicle, make the determination, and then follow for a safe distance to approach and issue the citation.

Legal Observations and Proofs

Legal challenges to tailgate tickets are common. During court proceedings, I refer to the vehicle manual and the recommended 2-second margin between vehicles. I explain that I observed the offending vehicle and could not achieve even a 1-second count between the vehicles. This has been a successful strategy, as I've had guilty verdicts in every case.

Challenges from Tailgaters

Many tailgaters contest the charges, more than any other charge except for drunk driving. If the driver was also speeding, the chances of being found guilty are significantly higher. For instance, charges against a driver who was both overspeeding and tailgating were upheld in court. I even had one driver who was charged twice, and both trials resulted in a loss, with a judge threatening jail if they tried to contest the third time.

Understanding the Risks and Recommendations

The average human perceptual and response time is about 1.5 seconds. This means that if you are following a vehicle closely and the driver in front brakes suddenly or encounters an obstacle, you will need at least 1.5 seconds to react. Tailgating within 0.2 seconds leaves no room for safe braking, which can lead to accidents.

Novice drivers are taught to maintain at least 3-4 seconds of following distance. This margin increases under adverse weather conditions or when driving a heavier vehicle or towing. On simple two-lane roads where you cannot pass, maintaining this distance is particularly important. Adhering to these distances can significantly reduce driving stress and enhances safety.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, tailgaters are a serious issue on the roads, posing significant risks to all motorists. As traffic police, our focus on tailgate offenses is crucial for accident prevention and public safety. By following safe driving practices, we can all contribute to reducing our risk on the road.