{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1586075,
        "msgid": "beware-the-dangers-of-tailgating-a-common-road-habit-causing-accidents-1772596735",
        "date": "2026-03-04 10:22:00",
        "title": "Beware the Dangers of Tailgating: A Common Road Habit Causing Accidents",
        "author": "Agung Kurniawan",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Regulation",
        "summary": "Tailgating remains a common practice in urban roads with heavy traffic, narrowing drivers' view and delaying reactions to emergencies. It raises the risk of rear-end collisions and single-vehicle crashes, especially when following priority vehicles such as buses, lorries, or emergency vehicles. The article calls for adherence to safe following distances and greater public education to reduce accidents.",
        "content": "<p>Tailgating, following too closely behind the vehicle in front,\nremains a common habit on the roads, particularly in urban areas with\ndense traffic. This failure to maintain a safe following distance is\nhigh-risk because it limits a driver\u2019s field of view of road conditions.\nThe situation can trigger sudden braking and increase the likelihood of\naccidents, including rear-end crashes as well as single-vehicle\nincidents. \u2018Tailgating not only endangers the person involved but also\nother motorists. A driver\u2019s focus becomes divided by only watching the\nvehicle ahead, so reactions to emergencies are delayed,\u2019 Victor told\nKompas.com on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. He said the risk rises when a\ndriver tailgates a vehicle that has priority on the road, such as a bus,\nlorry, or emergency vehicle. The movements of such vehicles can change\nquickly and unpredictably, while urban traffic is typically dense and\nfull of distractions. In addition to the potential for collisions with\nthe vehicle in front, drivers who drive too closely are also prone to\nsingle-vehicle accidents. Potholes, bumps, or rough road surfaces can\ncause a motorcyclist to lose balance, especially if there is no room to\nmanoeuvre. Victor emphasised that safety must be the primary priority\nover the wish to shorten journey times. \u2018A safe following distance gives\ndrivers time to react to sudden situations. Do not be tempted to cling\nto the vehicle in front in order to cut journey time,\u2019 he said.\nTherefore, drivers are advised to adjust their speed to traffic\nconditions and maintain the minimum distance as prescribed. Education on\nthe importance of safe following distance, he added, should be\nintensified so that awareness among drivers increases and the risk of\naccidents can be reduced.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/beware-the-dangers-of-tailgating-a-common-road-habit-causing-accidents-1772596735",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}