California drivers don’t have the best reputation for exercising caution around other motorists. Local drivers can speed, drive aggressively, stare at their cellphones instead of the road, and make many other unsafe choices.
Reckless driving also leads to a frustrating amount of tailgating on California streets. It’s enough to make motorists wonder how much room they should allow between themselves and the traffic ahead of them.
Luckily, there’s a handy guideline that can easily alert drivers when they are riding someone’s bumper and at risk of a collision. It’s called the “3-second-rule” and it is a simple way to stay safer on California boulevards and freeways.
The 3-Second Rule In Action in California
If you want to keep your family safer on the roads, you can always use the 3-second rule. It’s not a law, but it’s a guideline that can help you avoid accidents.
The rule basically states that leaving at least 3-seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you is the safest choice. Having 3-seconds of travel time between yourself and the traffic ahead gives you the time and space to react to any emergency and hopefully steer clear of a collision.
Checking for that 3-second cushion is easy enough. You simply pick an object along the road ahead, like a road sign, and when the car in front of you passes it, start counting. You should get to 3 seconds as your car passes the same sign.
- If you reach the sign at exactly 3 seconds, in most circumstances you are following at a safe distance.
- If you pass the sign sooner, you should slow down.
- If it takes longer than 3-seconds to reach the sign, you may be okay to speed up a little and close the gap. But give yourself as much space as you feel comfortable with.
When the 3-Second Driving Rule Should be Longer
The 3-second-rule is only a help gauge under normal conditions. When conditions change, those three seconds may not be enough to keep you protected from unforeseen traffic issues.
You may have to allow for longer than 3 seconds if unique conditions present themselves. These are just a few examples of situations where you should give that driver in front of you more space:
- On slippery roads.
- On gravel roads.
- On curvy or steep roads.
- Through construction zones.
- When traveling in foggy conditions.
- If you are carrying or pulling a heavy load. If the car or truck in front of you is hauling a heavy, or unstable load.
- When your vision of traffic is obstructed by a large truck.
- When following a motorcycle that may be able to stop quicker than you.
Handling California Tailgaters
Not everyone will follow the 3-second-rule. Some California drivers don’t even follow a 1-second-rule. Tailgating drivers are a major frustration on local streets and highways.
When someone is tailgating you, keep your cool, and try to observe these guidelines:
- Don’t slam on your brakes unnecessarily.
- Continue to maintain the 3-second-rule. Give yourself plenty of cushion from the traffic ahead. If a car ahead slows down suddenly, you want time to brake without causing your tailgater to immediately rear-end you.
- If you can safely switch to another lane to get away from the tailgater, do so.
California Punishment for Tailgating
When drivers tailgate it’s not always because they are speeding or proceeding aggressively. They may simply not notice how close they are to another vehicle.
Either way, tailgaters are breaking California vehicle codes and they could get pulled over and face penalties.
This is the vehicle code on the California law books:
21703 CVC.
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.”
You won’t go to jail if you are stopped for tailgating, but you could pay a fine of over $200 and have a point put on your DMV records. And remember, tailgating is associated with some much more serious offenses. Officers could decide you were speeding or driving recklessly. These violations would result in much more serious consequences.
Using the 3-second-rule as a basic guideline is a great way to keep yourself focused on the road and to give yourself enough time and space to handle any emergency.
Who Should I Call If I Am Struck by a Tailgating Driver?
If a reckless driver rear-ends you and causes serious injury to you or a loved one, discuss your options with a real California car accident lawyer. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance company will go to work immediately trying to prove its policyholder isn’t to blame. You need someone on your side who is experienced in the tactics of insurance companies and knows how to reject their unfair practices.
Contact Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, to schedule a no-obligation consultation. It’s a no-risk way to find out what your injuries are worth and how to secure fair compensation with a car accident insurance claim. If you feel Maison Law can help you earn the maximum compensation available for your injury, you won’t need any money upfront. Mr. Gasparian doesn’t get paid unless he wins your case.
