Tailgating: meaning, definitions and examples
🚗💨
tailgating
[ ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtɪŋ ]
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.
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
Etymology
The term 'tailgating' originally referred to the act of camping or gathering around the tailgate of a pickup truck, particularly in the context of social events like sporting games. The modern driving-related context emerged in the late 20th century as traffic congestion increased and aggressive driving behaviors became more commonplace. It captures both the physical proximity of one vehicle to another as well as the social dynamics that influence driving behavior. As road safety awareness increased, laws and campaigns targeting tailgating began to emerge, centering around safe following distances to reduce accidents. The word has since evolved in common usage to highlight the risks and illegal nature associated with trailing too closely behind another vehicle.