Washington State Following Too Closely

When you are driving, following too closely to the vehicle in front of you can lead to accidents if the driver in front of you steps on the brakes too quickly. Because the key to avoiding rear end collisions is to keep a safe distance between vehicles, Washington State considers following too closely a type of traffic infraction. However, if you have recently been ticketed for following too closely, you can contest your ticket.

According to Washington State’s rules of the road, a driver should not follow another vehicle more closely than is necessary and prudent. Drivers should also consider the speed of the vehicle in front of them, as well as the traffic and conditions of the roadway.

A driver may be following another vehicle too closely if he or she would not be able to avoid a collision if the other driver brakes suddenly. The driver should provide enough stopping time between vehicles in order to avoid a ticket for following too closely.

A good rule of thumb when driving is to leave one car length of space between you and the vehicle in front of you per every 10 miles per hour. This means that if you are driving 60 miles per hour, there should be room for six cars between you and the vehicle in front.

In adverse conditions, such as heavy traffic, rain, fog, or poor roads, a driver should double his or her following distance in order to safely avoid a collision during sudden braking. Snow, ice, rain, and debris can greatly affect a vehicle’s braking distance.

If you are charged with following a vehicle too closely, you may be given a citation to pay a fine. Your insurance premiums may be increased once your insurance provider learns that you committed the infraction. If you do not pay or respond within the time state on the ticket, the court will enter a judgment of committed and the fine may be sent to collections. The court may also notify the DOL who could suspend your license for failing to respond.

An experienced traffic defense attorney can help you fight your following too closely ticket. Callahan Law’s team of traffic attorneys can investigate your case to discover facts that can be used on your behalf. Our goal is to get your traffic ticket dismissed—which may be possible if there are defects in the citation, or if the elements of the charge cannot be proven.

Find out how hiring a traffic defense attorney can help your following too closely traffic case—contact Callahan Law today.