Odds are it’s been a while since your last road test, so here’s a friendly reminder: Tailgating is dangerous. In fact, it’s the leading cause of casualty collisions in Alberta.
And it has its own moniker: failgating.
“We call it ‘failgating’ because following too closely behind another vehicle is a failure, and we can do something about it,” says Jeff Kasbrick, AMA’s vice-president of advocacy and operations. “It’s important to build in the habit of leaving the appropriate, safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you no matter the season, but particularly when there’s bad weather or less-than-ideal road conditions.”
Even experienced drivers are probably tailgating more than they think, and all of us can benefit from the “three-second rule.” Here’s how it goes, says Kasbrick. “When driving behind someone, pick a landmark. Count three seconds. If you pass that landmark before you’ve counted to three, you’re following too closely.”
And if you’re the one being tailgated, wait for a safe time to change lanes, so the driver behind you can pass and be on their way.
For more safe driving tips, check out AMA’s Get Back in the Habit campaign.