Is it true or false that most rear-end collisions are caused by the vehicle in back following too closely?

Answer 1

Rear-end collisions are typically caused by following too closely.

They can best be avoided by leaving additional space, such as one car length for every ten miles per hour, between you and the vehicle in front of you. When you are at a stop light or stop sign, leave one vehicle space between you and the vehicle in front of you, then count to three AFTER the vehicle in front of you starts moving forward, then proceed with caution.

According to the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in a Special Investigation Report NTSB Number SIR-01/01 NTIS Number PB2001-917003 - (in part) Some of the collisions occurred because atmospheric conditions, such as sun glare or fog and smoke, interfered with the driver's ability to detect slower moving or stopped traffic ahead. In other accidents, the driver did not notice that traffic had come to a halt due to congestion at work zones or to other accidents. Still others involved drivers who were distracted or fatigued. Regardless of the individual circumstances, the drivers in these accidents were unable to detect slowed or stopped traffic and to stop their vehicles in time to prevent a rear-end collision.

According to a 1992 study by Daimler-Benz, if passenger car drivers have a 0.5-second additional warning time, about 60 percent of rear-end collisions can be prevented. An extra second of warning time can prevent about 90 percent of rear-end collisions.