This violation, issued in Virginia, signifies that a driver operated a vehicle at an insufficient distance behind another, leading to a collision. It is classified as a traffic infraction, not a criminal offense, but carries potential penalties. An instance of this might involve a driver rear-ending another vehicle at a stoplight due to misjudging the stopping distance.
Addressing this driving behavior is crucial for maintaining road safety and preventing injuries. Law enforcement’s diligent enforcement helps to reduce the frequency of such incidents. Historically, laws regarding safe following distances have evolved to address increasing traffic density and vehicle speeds, aiming to minimize accidents attributable to tailgating.