Traffic laws are different in every jurisdiction. People may find generalized information confusing, as it may differ from local rules. Blanket statements about traffic statutes often prove inaccurate. That being said, traffic laws tend to reflect acknowledged best practices for road safety.
Tailgating is a known safety concern. When drivers don’t leave enough space between vehicles, they may not be able to stop or maneuver in time when traffic conditions change. They can also cause traffic congestion instead of actually speeding up the flow of traffic as they might expect.
The law in Missouri specifically discusses tailgating. Those involved in rear-end collisions, in particular, may benefit from learning about the law.
How does Missouri address tailgating?
Traffic laws help reduce the risk of collisions. They also make it easier for people to assign fault to a specific motorist after a wreck. State statutes make it clear that drivers should prioritize safety. When following another vehicle in traffic, they need to leave a reasonable amount of following distance.
In many scenarios, safety experts recommend that drivers should maintain at least three seconds of travel time between vehicles. When road conditions are poor, drivers may want to increase or even double the following distance that they maintain.
A driver who fails to leave adequate space between vehicles violates the law. Whether they simply get too close or aggressively tailgate during a road rage incident, they could face consequences if they cause a wreck. They may risk allegations of a Class C misdemeanor traffic offense. In addition to up to $750 in fines, the driver who followed too closely might need to serve up to 15 days in jail.
Police officers can pull people over and issue citations because of tailgating in traffic. Officers can also consider tailgating allegations when they allocate faults after a motor vehicle collision. A driver who doesn’t keep enough space between their vehicle and others may be legally and financially responsible for any collisions that result from their driving habits.
Those hit by a tailgating motorist in a rear-end crash may need help holding them accountable. Learning more about traffic statutes can help strengthen the compensation claims made by those not at fault for collisions.