What is a potential effect of riding too closely behind another vehicle?

Riding too closely behind another vehicle significantly increases the chances of rear-ending that vehicle in the event of sudden stops or slowdowns. When you're tailgating, your reaction time is reduced because you have less space to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes. Adequate following distance allows for more time to assess the traffic situation, providing a buffer that can be critical in avoiding collisions.

The implications of not maintaining this distance are clear; if the driver in front stops abruptly, the close proximity means you may not have enough time or space to stop safely, leading to a rear-end collision. Therefore, maintaining a safe following distance is essential for rider safety and overall traffic flow.