Illinois Driver's License Renewal Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Most rear-end collisions indeed occur when the vehicle behind is following too closely, which is often referred to as "tailgating." This behavior reduces the driver's ability to react in time to sudden stops or slowdowns of the vehicle in front. When a driver is too close to the vehicle ahead, they may not have sufficient stopping distance to avoid a collision, especially if the vehicle in front brakes unexpectedly.

Tailgating is a common driving error that can lead to accidents in various situations, regardless of speed. It's essential for drivers to maintain a safe following distance to provide enough time to respond to changes in traffic conditions. By doing so, they can lessen the risk of being involved in a rear-end collision, which statistics often show to be caused primarily by this type of driving behavior. Maintaining appropriate distances not only promotes safety but also contributes to a smoother flow of traffic.