99.9% of rear end collisions occur because the following vehicle has left insufficient room between their vehicle and the one in front of them. It is that simple. Judging by comments made on another thread relating to where people set the safety gap on their TACC, you really don't need any more proof that this is the case. If you do, just go and watch the freeway traffic for a few minutes from an overhead bridge or similar. MW
Lets also be clear on the topic of driving characteristics in the US vs. Europe (I see you are in the UK). In short North America is atrocious compared to most other countries in the EU.
Drivers clog up as many lanes in parallel with zero consequence or understanding of the impact that it has. you will see 5 lane highways in California that aren't busy but they are clogged with 10 cars in a pack blocking all lanes and going roughly the same speed - not to accelerate unless presented with the chance that they might be passed. They pass on the right and just as dangerous are the speed regulators that jump over to the "fast" lane and insist in clogging it up going as fast and sometimes slightly slower than the car to their right or the posted rate of speed.
Tail gating becomes a natural by-product and dangerous chances are taken. It clearly wasn't the case in this accident report, but the 99.9% factor you refer too has SO much bad behavior behind it, Im not convinced its as simply as driving too close as the only factor.
North America needs some revamping in general about what is acceptable driving.
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Following distance is to allow for the driver reaction time plus car brake stopping distance, and distance covered is related to the traveling speed. Therefore 7-10 car length is not a definitive following distance.
7 to 10 car lengths leaves room for 10 cars behind you jam in front of you while you're busy being safe....if you choose to do this, don't do it on the far left lane of a freeway. Otherwise known as the "fast" lane
