What driving behavior causes most rear-end collisions?

The primary cause of most rear-end collisions is tailgating, which is when a driver follows another vehicle too closely. This behavior significantly reduces the time and distance available to react to sudden stops or slowdowns in traffic. When the leading vehicle has to brake for any reason, such as a traffic signal, obstacle, or sudden change in traffic flow, a tailgater may not have sufficient time to stop, leading to a collision.

Tailgating is particularly dangerous because it limits the driver’s ability to see the full picture of what is happening on the roadway ahead. The closer a vehicle is to the vehicle in front, the less time the driver has to react if that vehicle suddenly stops. Additionally, tailgating can create a stressful situation for the leading driver, who may feel pressured to drive faster or make abrupt maneuvers, potentially worsening the risk of an accident.

While speeding, driving in adverse weather conditions, and distracted driving all contribute to collisions in various ways and can increase the severity of accidents, it is the act of following another vehicle too closely that most directly correlates with causing rear-end crashes. Understanding the dangers of tailgating can help drivers maintain a safer following distance and reduce the likelihood of these types of collisions.