Following Too Close Emphasis This Week

Tailgaters might be a little lighter in the wallet this week as the Washington State Patrol has a following too close emphasis.

Trooper Brian Moore said the emphasis last year resulted in 25,000 drivers being pulled over.

"This was implemented because last year we had over 9,500 collisions statewide which resulted from drivers following too close."

The base fine is $136 though that goes up in there's a collision.

Moore said that drivers need to follow a simple rule.

"Pick a point and when that vehicle go passes that point, we want to be about five seconds behind them. This allows for any potential hazard that may be in the roadway; if that vehicle in front of you has to slam on their brakes, you don't end up hitting them."

Cars can also be one car length behind the car in front of them for every 10 miles per hour. Moore noted it is the following cars responsibility and liability to be following at a safe distance.