What is the primary safety concern associated with tailgating?

The primary safety concern associated with tailgating is that it significantly reduces reaction time and raises the likelihood of collisions. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, they have less time to respond to sudden stops or slowdowns of the vehicle in front of them. This limited reaction time can lead to rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents on the road.

Maintaining a safe following distance is essential for defensive driving, as it allows drivers to have adequate time to assess and react to changes in traffic conditions. By tailgating, drivers not only jeopardize their safety but also the safety of others on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that, while they may have some relevance to driving behavior, do not emphasize the critical safety implications of tailgating. For example, increased fuel consumption, improved traffic flow, and faster arrival times do not address the heightened risks associated with not maintaining an appropriate distance between vehicles.