Why is tailgating considered dangerous?

Tailgating is considered dangerous primarily because it increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions. When a driver follows another vehicle too closely, they have a significantly reduced reaction time in case the lead vehicle suddenly stops or slows down. This minimal distance between vehicles does not provide enough time for the tailgating driver to react appropriately, which can result in crashing into the rear of the lead vehicle.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the risks associated with tailgating. While tailgating might affect fuel efficiency or traffic flow, these issues are secondary to the immediate safety risks. Tailgating does not contribute to faster acceleration or improved traffic conditions; instead, it can create a hazardous situation on the road by increasing tension among drivers and potentially leading to accidents.