In what situation is it most common for tailgating to occur?

Tailgating is most commonly observed in heavy stop-and-go traffic situations. This is primarily due to the nature of the traffic flow, where vehicles frequently come to a halt and then accelerate again. Drivers may find themselves close to the vehicle in front of them as they attempt to adjust quickly to the changing traffic conditions. The stop-and-go pattern can create a sense of urgency or impatience, leading some drivers to maintain a shorter following distance than is safe.

In contrast, during low-speed traffic, drivers typically maintain more space to ensure safety, while bad weather conditions may encourage more cautious driving behaviors, prompting drivers to increase their following distance to avoid accidents. On open highways, vehicles often have more space to maneuver, reducing the likelihood of tailgating as drivers adopt more relaxed driving habits.