ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Yvonne, of Ocoee, asked, “What exactly defines following too closely?”
"Florida law defines the term 'following too closely' as when a driver of a motor vehicle is not to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway," Trooper Steve said.
Basically, that means you need to have time and space to be able to react, Trooper Steve said.
"Following distance can change depending on speed, roadway conditions, weather and the amount of traffic," he said. "It’s about being able to control your vehicle if something happens in front of you."
Trooper Steve said a large portion of crashes are rear-end wrecks.
"If a driver would have been able to maintain a safe and reasonable distance from the car in front of them, maybe that crash would be been avoided," Trooper Steve said.
[ASK TROOPER STEVE: Send safety question to Trooper Steve]
A violation of Florida Statute 316.0895 could cost you some points on your driver's license.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.