What is the impact of tailgating on traffic safety?

Tailgating, or closely following another vehicle, significantly increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions. When a driver maintains a short following distance, they have less time to react to sudden stops or changes in speed of the vehicle ahead. This reduced reaction time can lead to accidents where the tailgating driver crashes into the rear of the vehicle in front, often resulting in injuries and damage. Maintaining a safe following distance allows drivers to have adequate time to respond to unexpected situations on the road, contributing to overall traffic safety.

The other options do not accurately reflect the negative implications of tailgating. For instance, decreasing overall traffic flow doesn't highlight the immediate dangers associated with tailgating, and it does not provide any advantage to driver visibility or create a safe buffer in traffic. In fact, tailgating typically leads to more congestion and unsafe conditions rather than enhancing traffic fluidity or safety.