The best way to keep from rear ending another vehicle is to keep plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.  If someone is tailgating you then you need to make every effort to let them pass you safely.  Tailgating is one of the top causes of auto accidents in the United States, and prevention is key.  However, prevention is not always possible.  Last year rear-end collisions accounted for 30% of all auto accidents.

Tailgating is when the a car follows another too closely.  Many of us have experienced someone tailgating us at some time while driving.  If you look in your mirror and see a car too close behind you then they are probably tailgating.  Sometimes people tailgate intentionally because they are busy or in a hurry and want to make you speed up.  Other times they are not paying close attention while driving and slowly creep closer to you.  Either way tailgating is dangerous and can lead to a serious auto accident .  Injuries are more severe at higher speeds.

Studies show that the average car can slow down at a rate of 15 feet per second while traveling at 60 MPH.  This means that it takes an average car about six seconds to come to a complete stop in clear, dry conditions.  This is a long time to react to a potential accident.  Most people need at least a second to react to an accident about to happen.  If something happens in front of you while you are being tailgated the person behind you won't be able to stop in time if you are forced to slam your brakes.  Even in city driving reaction time can take longer than you realize.  People believe they have plenty of time to stop in time if something happens.  However, the studies show otherwise.  The best way to prevent a rear end collision is to keep plenty of room between yourself and the car in front of you.

If you have been rear ended due to someone tailgating you it is important to contact an experience auto accident attorney .