Tailgating is Leading Cause of Road Crashes, 81000 Cases in 2 Years

Tailgating, where drivers follow vehicles too closely, is a leading cause of road crashes in Malaysia. Between 2021 and August 2023, 81,136 accidents were linked to this behavior out of a total of 1.2 million reported crashes. Experts warn that tailgating heightens the risk of rear-end collisions, especially at high speeds, where reaction time is minimal. This aggressive driving habit often results in not only accidents but also stress for other motorists.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors
Prof Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), suggests that there are many factors promoting the act of tailgating in drivers, stating that “In congested areas such as Kuala Lumpur, drivers often tailgate to reduce travel time. This behaviour is exacerbated by narrow lanes and poorly marked highways, which unintentionally encourage drivers to follow too closely.”

Tailgaters sometimes exceed speed limits of 110 km/h, hitting speeds of up to 160 km/h. This recklessness reduces reaction times and shifts blame to the vehicle in front during collisions, though the tailgater is typically at fault.

Enforcement and Legal Measures

The Road Transport Act 1987 categorizes tailgating under reckless or dangerous driving. Offenders can face fines of up to RM300 and demerit points. However, there is no specific law targeting tailgating, leading road safety advocates to call for stronger legislation and stricter enforcement.

Educational Campaigns: Changing Behaviors

Experts stress the need for public education to address tailgating. Campaigns emphasizing the dangers of insufficient following distances, alongside visual aids like infographics, can increase awareness. Additionally, integrating safe driving habits into driving school curriculums is crucial to fostering long-term behavioral change.

Prof Dr Wong also emphasized the importance of education and public awareness campaigns:

“Public awareness campaigns should emphasise the dangers of tailgating, including rear-end collisions and traffic disruptions. Use of visual tools such as infographics and videos can effectively demonstrate these risks. 

“Incorporating safe driving practices into driving school curricula can help establish good habits early on. Teaching drivers the importance of maintaining safe distances and the potential consequences of tailgating is crucial.”

Expert Recommendations for Drivers

Prof Dr Wong urges calm responses towards aggressive tailgaters:

“Do not panic or make sudden manoeuvres such as abrupt braking or lane switching as these can lead to crashes. Instead, stay composed and assess the situation carefully based on your surroundings."

He also continues to suggest doing the following:

• Maintain Safe Distances: Keeping a proper following distance provides time to react to sudden braking.
• Stay Calm: Avoid reacting emotionally to aggressive tailgaters. Abrupt braking or sudden lane changes can escalate the danger.
• Adhere to Speed Limits: Following traffic rules ensures the safety of all road users.
• Focus on Safety: Remaining vigilant and composed helps mitigate risks.

Government Initiatives
The Malaysian government, under the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022–2030, aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030. This includes enhanced vehicle safety standards and community engagement programs to promote safer driving habits.

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