What does it mean if a driver follows too closely for existing traffic conditions?

When a driver follows too closely for existing traffic conditions, it indicates that the driver may not be paying adequate attention to the distance necessary for safe driving. Safe following distance accounts for factors such as speed, road conditions, weather impacts, and the behavior of other drivers on the road.

In situations where a driver is tailgating or not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, it can lead to potential rear-end collisions, particularly if traffic suddenly slows down or stops. Therefore, this behavior reflects poor situational awareness and a lack of proper judgment about how to adapt to the driving conditions, pointing to a problem with observation skills while on the road.

Good driving practice involves maintaining a safe following distance to allow for adequate reaction time and ensuring safety for oneself and others. Therefore, closely following another vehicle in a way that is not appropriate for the conditions clearly represents a lapse in observation and awareness, leading to the conclusion that this choice is aligned with the notion of bad observation.