How does tailgating impact road safety?

Tailgating significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions, which is why this answer is correct. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, they reduce their reaction time to unexpected changes in the traffic situation, such as sudden stops or slowdowns. If the vehicle in front halts, a tailgating driver may not have adequate time to brake safely, leading to a collision. This behavior not only endangers the tailgating driver but also the driver in front and other vehicles around them.

By maintaining a safe following distance, drivers can react more effectively to the actions of others on the road, ultimately promoting better safety for everyone involved.