Tailgating: meaning, definitions and examples
🚗💨
tailgating
[ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
driving behavior
Tailgating refers to the practice of driving closely behind another vehicle, often within a distance less than the safe following distance. This dangerous behavior is often seen in heavy traffic conditions, where drivers may feel pressure to maintain speed or reduce distance. It is considered aggressive driving and can lead to accidents if the leading vehicle suddenly brakes. Tailgating can also indicate impatience or frustration among drivers.
Synonyms
aggressive driving, bumper riding, following too closely.
Examples of usage
- He got rear-ended because of the tailgating driver behind him.
- Tailgating can lead to serious accidents on the highway.
- Many drivers tailgate when they are running late.
- She honked at the tailgating car behind her.
- The police issued a ticket for tailgating during the traffic stop.
Interesting Facts
Traffic Safety
- Many road accidents happen because drivers don't keep enough distance from the car in front.
- Driving too closely can prevent a driver from reacting in time during sudden stops, increasing crash risks.
Cultural Practices
- In the U.S., tailgating often relates to pre-game parties where fans gather in parking lots to eat, drink, and celebrate before sports events.
- This fun social practice involves barbecues, games, and community bonding before the excitement of the game.
Legal Aspects
- Tailgating is often cited in traffic citations, leading to fines or penalty points on a driver's license.
- Laws against aggressive driving often include tailgating as a citation due to its dangerous nature.
Psychological Factors
- Some drivers tailgate due to impatience or aggressive driving behavior, reflecting their desire to assert dominance on the road.
- A study showed that drivers experiencing high stress are more likely to engage in tailgating, indicating a link between emotional state and driving behavior.
Physics of Driving
- Following too closely reduces reaction time, as stopping distances depend on speed; physics dictates that at high speeds, mere seconds can matter.
- The concept of stopping distance includes perception time and braking distance, illustrating the importance of maintaining safe space between vehicles.
Translations
Translations of the word "tailgating" in other languages:
🇵🇹 seguir de perto
🇮🇳 टेलगेटिंग
🇩🇪 Tailgating
🇮🇩 tailgating
🇺🇦 переслідування
🇵🇱 zbyt bliskie podążanie
🇯🇵 テイルゲーティング
🇫🇷 suivi de près
🇪🇸 seguimiento cercano
🇹🇷 yakın takip
🇰🇷 테일게이팅
🇸🇦 التقارب المفرط
🇨🇿 příliš blízké sledování
🇸🇰 príliš tesné sledovanie
🇨🇳 紧跟
🇸🇮 tesno sledenje
🇮🇸 nálægt fylgni
🇰🇿 жақын жүру
🇬🇪 კარების ახლოს მიყოლა
🇦🇿 yaxın izləmə
🇲🇽 seguimiento cercano