What is the primary cause of most rear-end accidents?

The primary cause of most rear-end accidents is following other vehicles too closely, also known as tailgating. This driving behavior reduces the time a driver has to react to sudden stops or slowdowns by the vehicle in front. When a driver does not maintain a safe following distance, there isn’t enough space to safely stop if the lead vehicle unexpectedly brakes, leading to collisions.

Maintaining an appropriate distance helps ensure drivers can stop safely without crashing into the vehicle ahead. Realizing the distance needed for stopping is crucial, especially in adverse conditions or heavy traffic. In situations where the driver in front slows down or comes to a halt, a tailgating driver may not have adequate time or space to respond, resulting in a rear-end collision. Understanding and practicing safe following distances is critical for prevention of such accidents.