Tailgaters are some of the most annoying drivers on the road, and while most people are probably guilty of the faux-pas sometimes, a recent survey from Michelin found they don't admit to it. Researchers discovered 74 percent of respondents said they were tailgated in the last six months, but only 11 percent admitted they themselves were guilty, according to USA Today.<\/p>\n
The findings may seem funny at first, but the rest of the research revealed some startling facts. In addition to a finding a large amount of tailgating, Michelin also found it could be caused by the fact that people don't know how closely to follow other motorists. In fact, a whopping 47 percent are unaware of what the safe driving distance is.<\/p>\n
For those who are unaware, most experts recommend the three-second rule for following the car in front of you. To check if you're the right distance away, pick a fixed point on the road ahead, and when the car in front of you passes it, you should pass it three seconds later.<\/p>\n
It may seem like a rudimentary thing to remind people of, but tailgating can be the cause of some significant accidents. According to the Law Office of Michael Pines, a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer, tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents they see behind the likes of speeding and distracted driving.<\/p>\n