What are the laws about tailgating?
In Texas, tailgating is against the law and is considered a reckless driving offense. Tailgating is when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle, often causing the driver in front to have to take evasive action. According to the Texas Transportation Code, a driver must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and must not follow another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having regard for the speed of such vehicle, the traffic and the condition of the roadway.” Typically, this means at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If a driver is found to be tailgating, they can face fines of up to $200 and may even be given points on their driving record. If the incident causes an accident, the tailgater could face more serious charges such as vehicular assault or vehicular manslaughter. To reduce the chances of getting into a tailgating incident, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings while on the road and to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Additionally, it’s important to take extra caution when driving in areas with high traffic or variable road conditions, as these can make it difficult to keep up with the speed of traffic without getting too close.
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