Car Accident After Being Followed Too Closely

Driving too closely, also known as tailgating, is a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Missouri, like most states, has laws in place to deter tailgating and promote safe following distances on its roadways. This comprehensive overview explores Missouri's legal framework regarding following too closely, its impact on drivers, and best practices for maintaining safe following distances.

Understanding Tailgating and Following Distance

Tailgating is defined as driving too closely behind another vehicle, creating a situation where you cannot safely stop if the vehicle in front of you slows down or comes to a sudden halt. The safe following distance depends on various factors, including:

Speed: The faster you're traveling, the greater the following distance you need to maintain to have enough time to react to a sudden stop.
Weather Conditions: Reduced visibility due to rain, snow, fog, or low light conditions necessitates a larger following distance.
Road Conditions: Slippery roads or uneven surfaces require increased following distance for safe stopping.
Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles often require more following distance due to their increased stopping distances.

Missouri's Following Too Closely Statute

Missouri Revised Statute Section 304.010(1) addresses following too closely. The statute states:

"The driver of a motor vehicle shall follow another vehicle at an interval sufficient to permit the driver of such other vehicle to stop without danger of collision in case of sudden deceleration."

The law doesn't specify a precise following distance in feet or car lengths. Instead, it places the responsibility on the driver to maintain a safe interval based on the prevailing conditions.

Determining a Safe Following Distance

While Missouri law doesn't mandate a specific distance, the following methods can help drivers in Missouri estimate a safe following distance:

The 3-Second Rule: This is a common rule of thumb suggesting a minimum following distance of three seconds between your vehicle and the car in front. To use this method, identify a stationary object on the side of the road (like a signpost) and count the time (in seconds) it takes for the car ahead of you to pass that same point. If it takes less than three seconds, you're following too closely.
The "One Car Length Per 10 mph" Rule: Another rule of thumb suggests maintaining a following distance of one car length for every 10 mph of your speed. For example, at 50 mph, you should maintain a following distance of approximately five car lengths.

It's important to remember that these are just general guidelines. Drivers should adjust their following distance based on the specific circumstances they encounter.

Enforcement of Following Too Closely Laws

Law enforcement officers in Missouri can pull over drivers suspected of following too closely. Here's how enforcement might work:

Visual Observation: Officers can visually assess following distances and determine if a driver appears to be too close to the vehicle ahead. Factors like following distance relative to speed and weather conditions are considered.
Pacing: Officers may use a pacing technique to gauge following distance. They'll maintain a constant speed and observe if the suspected tailgater remains behind them at an unsafe distance.
Radar: While not directly measuring following distance, radar can be used to estimate speed differentials between vehicles. A significant speed difference between two vehicles close together can raise suspicion of tailgating.

Consequences of Following Too Closely in Missouri

If a police officer pulls you over for following too closely in Missouri, you could face the following consequences:

Traffic Citation: A citation for following too closely is a moving violation that can result in points being added to your driver's license. Accumulating too many points could lead to license suspension.
Fines: Fines associated with following too closely citations can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the county where the violation occurs.
Increased Insurance Rates: Moving violations can lead to increased car insurance premiums.

Beyond Legal Consequences: The Dangers of Tailgating

Tailgating isn't just a traffic violation; it's a major safety hazard. Here's why:

Reduced Reaction Time: The smaller the following distance, the less time you have to react if the car in front brakes suddenly. This significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Limited Visibility: Tailgating restricts your view of the road ahead, making it harder to spot potential hazards like stopped traffic or sudden lane changes.
Increased Road Rage: Tailgating can be a source of frustration and anger for both the tailgater and the driver being followed. This can lead to aggressive driving behaviors and escalate into road rage incidents.