In Florida, while there isn't a definitive distance vehicles are required to keep from each other, drivers are admonished to "not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent."
Florida Statute 316.0895
The Florida law regarding following too closely reads in its entirety:
"The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway."
What Is a "Reasonable and Prudent" Distance?
You may have heard of the three-second rule. Basically, pick a landmark on the road (sign, tree, median, etc.), and notice when the car in front of you reaches that landmark. Then count how many seconds it takes you to reach that same landmark. Three-seconds is the guideline.
Highway engineers and safety experts use time rather than distance as a way to represent how long it takes for a driver to notice and react to hazards. When road or weather conditions are less than ideal, you may want to adopt a five or ten-second rule.
"The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway."
What Is a "Reasonable and Prudent" Distance?
You may have heard of the three-second rule. Basically, pick a landmark on the road (sign, tree, median, etc.), and notice when the car in front of you reaches that landmark. Then count how many seconds it takes you to reach that same landmark. Three-seconds is the guideline.
Highway engineers and safety experts use time rather than distance as a way to represent how long it takes for a driver to notice and react to hazards. When road or weather conditions are less than ideal, you may want to adopt a five or ten-second rule.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) found that around 30% of all traffic accidents that result in a serious injury are cause by rear-end collisions. These accidents usually involve aggressive drivers who tailgate or distracted drivers who fail to react in time.
Drivers of Large Trucks
The Florida Statute continues with information for drivers of large trucks, including semi-trucks and tow trucks:
"It is unlawful for the driver of any motor truck, motor truck drawing another vehicle, or vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer, when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, to follow within 300 feet of another motor truck, motor truck drawing another vehicle, or vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer."
Can You Get a Ticket for Tailgating?
Yes, you can. Tailgating in Florida is considered a moving violation, and you may be handed a hefty fine. If you don't pay it in time, your license will be suspended until paid. If this isn't your first time being fined for tailgating, you might have to pay even more.
If you've been injured in a tailgating accident, call Wilkes & Mee today. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will work fast to get the facts and recover the compensation your deserve.