Mississippi Written Drivers Test Practice

When is tailgating considered particularly dangerous?

1. When driving at night

2. When following another vehicle too closely in inclement weather

3. When driving on highways

4. When there are no other vehicles around

The correct answer is: When following another vehicle too closely in inclement weather

Tailgating is considered particularly dangerous when following another vehicle too closely in inclement weather because adverse conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can significantly reduce visibility and traction. When road conditions are compromised, a driver needs more distance to react to sudden stops or changes in speed from the vehicle ahead. If a driver is tailgating in such conditions, they may not have adequate time to stop safely, increasing the risk of a collision. The other scenarios, while they present their own risks, do not emphasize the compounded dangers of reduced visibility and longer stopping distances that are characteristic of inclement weather. For instance, driving at night can be risky due to lower visibility, but it doesn’t inherently have the same immediate danger as tailgating in bad weather. On highways, while speed can amplify dangers, the specific risk of tailgating is heightened in inclement conditions. Lastly, driving with no other vehicles around does not carry the same immediate threat, as the potential for a crash is not exacerbated by nearby vehicles.