"Puts Everyone at Risk"
INDIANA, PA - For someone in a hurry, tailgating is a last resort effort to be somewhere at a certain time. If you’re the one who is being tailgated, it can be a frightful and uncomfortable experience. Unfortunately, poor planning and impatience on the tailgater's part subjects everyone to an increased risk of intimidation and being involved in a crash.
Driving an automobile safely through a highway construction work zone is an important responsibility. Taking unnecessary risks such as tailgating could result in a crash that may seriously injure or kill you or someone else.
PennDOT urges motorists to plan their travels by listening to and reading work zone news advisories and allowing for more time to reach your destination. Be aware that no time is gained by tailgating. Here is a list of reasons why motorists should not tailgate:
• There are many distractions throughout a work zone. If you are tailgating and are distracted, you may not stop in time if traffic ahead of you stops.
• Your vehicle's paint may become chipped by a vehicle in front of you. Broken grills or cracked windshields could also result.
• If considerable damage occurs, you may be without your automobile for months.
• Brakes may need replaced more often due to excessive braking.
• Chances are you will be involved in more rear end crashes.
• You may pay a higher rate for automobile insurance due to your crash history.
• Tailgating sends the wrong message to young adults who are learning to drive.
• Tailgating increases your chance of being pulled over by law enforcement.
• Consider that the person who you are tailgating is somebody's loved one. "Give them a brake."
• Highway workers are trying to improve our highway system for you. They deserve your respect and patience.
Remember, a safe following distance requires a minimum of two to three seconds from the vehicle in front of you. Safety starts with you! Please show some respect and don't tailgate.
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