Following Too Closely Puts Two South Georgia Drivers in the Hospital

Two drivers have been hospitalized after an accident involving following too closely in Lee County. According to Georgia State Patrol troopers, two vehicles — a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Tahoe — were traveling west on Highway 520. When the Tahoe attempted to turn right into a business, the F-150 struck the Tahoe, causing it to run off the road and into a ditch. Both drivers were taken to the hospital for treatment, and the driver of the F-150 was cited for following too closely. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a vehicle that was following too closely, a Tifton car accident attorney may be able to assist you in seeking compensation. 

The Dangers of Following Too Closely 

Following too closely behind another vehicle is a common cause of rear-end car accidents because it reduces drivers’ reaction time and gives the vehicle less space to come to a complete stop. Many following too closely accidents also involve speeding, which can compound those conditions and result in greater damage to the vehicles involved and more severe injuries to their occupants. Following too closely can also lead to chain reaction accidents in which the lead vehicle strikes the vehicle in front of it after being struck by the following vehicle. 

How to Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Georgia Code § 40-6-49 states that “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 vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” In other words, a safe following distance is one that is reasonable under the circumstances. 

Many safety experts recommend following the three-second rule. When following a vehicle, pick an object up ahead and note when the vehicle ahead of you passes that marker. Then, count how many seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. If it takes you less than three seconds, you are likely following too closely. 

Of course, a safe following distance also depends upon other conditions, and three seconds may not be enough space in all cases. For example, you should consider giving yourself even more following distance in the below scenarios: 

• Inclement weather conditions, especially snow or ice 
• Heavy traffic or traffic jams
• Entering or exiting a highway 
• Following motorcycles 
• Following vehicles that make frequent stops, such as school busses and mail trucks 
• Driving a large vehicle, such as a truck
• Following a large vehicle

Discuss Your Accident With a Tifton Car Accident Attorney 

Rear-end accidents, which typically are caused by following too closely, can cause serious injuries and property damage. If you were injured by a driver following too closely, you may be able to pursue a legal claim. For more information, please contact a Tifton car accident attorney at the Hudson Injury Firm by calling 229-396-5848 or using our online form.