CAR ACCIDENT INJURY CAR TAILGATING – LAWYERS MN

Maintaining a proper following distance is more than just being a polite driver. It’s the law! So back off the cars in front of you, keep your eyes on the road, and get to where you are going safely. Concentrate on driving. Our car accident injury lawyers handle many cases caused by tailgating. These accidents can result in serious injuries.

What is tailgating? Following too closely behind another motorist, or tailgating, is an aggressive driving behavior.

What is the Stop Tailgating project? The Stop Tailgating pilot project is a series of DOTS (circular pavement markings) and informational signs along a section of Highway 55. The dots help motorists identify and maintain safe following distances. The project runs for 2 miles between Buffalo and Rockford.

The site was chosen based on criteria of uninterrupted traffic flow, high crash rate, and community support of other safe driving projects. Nearly 80 percent of the crashes at intersections along Highway 55 in Wright County are rear-end collisions.

Why is tailgating a problem?
Following too closely, or tailgating, is a common poor driving behavior. It is very dangerous and irritating to other drivers. Rear-end collisions account for 28.27 percent of the vehicle crashes and over 4.35 percent of the fatal traffic crashes in Minnesota. 23 people died in rear-end crashes in one year.

What is the recommended safe following distance while driving?

The Minnesota Driver’s Manual recommends a minimum 3 second following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule applies to passenger cars and light trucks traveling in ideal conditions. When conditions warrant, you must increase the amount of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. For example, in bad weather or stop and go traffic.

The 3 second following distance works on all roads. When the back-end of a vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object such as a road sign, count how long it takes you to pass the same object. “One-Minnesota, two-Minnesota, three-Minnesota.” Under ideal road conditions there should be a minimum 3 second count to pass the same object.

What can drivers do to protect themselves from tailgaters?

First of all, be aware of not tailgating others. Often, we can find ourselves in this situation when we are in a hurry and the roads are congested. If the driver behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow them to pass.

What Minnesota laws relate to tailgating?

According to Minnesota law, drivers who tailgate may be cited, whether or not a rear-end collision occurs. 169.18 Subd. 8 Following vehicle too closely. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. The driver must have due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.

When tailgating, and if “conditions” warrant, an officer may cite a driver for reckless or careless driving. 169.13 Subdivision 1. Reckless driving. Any person driving in such a manner as to indicate a disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and such reckless driving is a misdemeanor. Subdivision 2. Careless driving. Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway in … in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

If you have been injured in a car accident because the other vehicle was tailgating, call us for a free consultation with a lawyer. Our top car accident attorneys have over 25 years’ experience representing people throughout Minnesota. We will answer your questions and make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to.