State Police Out on the Road This Month Watching for Drivers Who Are Following Too Closely

Drivers in Connecticut can expect to see the State Police out on the road this month watching for drivers who are following too closely. Authorities warn against this dangerous driving practice, saying it is a common cause of car accidents. A state campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the risks associated with tailgating, and officials hope that it will have a positive effect throughout the state in keeping motorists and others safe.

State laws regarding this issue mandate that drivers must not drive too closely behind a vehicle. Speed, traffic, road quality and the status of the weather will be taken into consideration by the authorities when enforcing the law. Officials say that a good rule of thumb is to leave three seconds of traveling distance between vehicles. This means that, when the first car passes an object, the following car should be able to count to three before passing the same object, though police recommend increasing that count if conditions are poor.

The police here in Connecticut have been issuing citations to drivers they see breaking this law. They say that following too closely leads to rear-end accidents that can cause severe injuries and can even be fatal in some cases. Contrary to what some may think, the most common time for these accidents to occur is during daytime rush hour traffic when the weather is favorable and roadways are in good condition.

Law enforcement here in Connecticut plans on pursuing this program officially for the entire month of March but will always be watching for dangerous driving maneuvers. Residents here who have been injured or lost a loved one to this type of crash may choose to file a civil claim against any party deemed to have been at fault. If the claim is successfully presented, it could lead to a monetary award that could be used to cover expenses incurred from the crash like medical bills, lost wages or funeral expenses. Hopefully, the campaign will lead to a reduction in car accidents overall, and Connecticut residents will enjoy safer roadways.

Source: Avon Ct. Patch, State Police Looking for Highway Tailgaters, Have Advice, David Gurliacci, Mar. 7, 2014