DES MOINES, Iowa- The Iowa State Patrol pulled over 42-drivers on Interstate 35 Monday, near Ankeny, as part of a special enforcement effort. Troopers were looking for drivers following too closely behind other drivers, or tailgating.
Sergeant Nate Ludwig tells WHO Radio News it's a dangerous practice all year long, but this time of year it's especially dangerous because of winter weather, slick roads, and deer on the move. He says tailgating is the type of bad habit that often contributes to multi-vehicle crashes, such as a couple last winter on I-35.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates it takes most drivers at least 1.5 seconds to spot and react to danger, and the time it takes to brake varies widely on the type of vehicle being driven.
(Photo from Iowa State Patrol)