State police out to stop tailgating

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State police are initiating a ‘Stop Tailgating, You’re Too Close!” project during the month of March.

The enforcement project will focus on limited access highways in the greater Hartford, New Haven, Meriden, Middletown and Old Saybrook areas on the following highways: I-84, I-91, I-95, I-691, Routes 8, 9 and 15, state police said in a press release.

Tailgating is defined as a driver following too closely behind another motorist. This is an aggressive driving behavior and the leading cause of injury- and non-injury related accidents, the release stated.

Connecticut law states no driver shall follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having regard for the speed of such vehicle, the traffic, the condition of the highway and weather conditions, the release stated. During less than ideal driving conditions or at speeds exceeding 55 mph, this time and distance by drivers should increase.

Each tailgating violation carries a fine of $132. Drivers who tailgate will be cited for these moving violations whether or not a rear-end collision occurs, the release stated.

Troopers are undertaking this campaign to reduce the number of crashes that take place on central Connecticut roads and highways, the release stated. This is not a ticket campaign but enforcement action will be taken when violations are observed by troopers.