Why is tailgating considered dangerous when following a truck?

Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, significantly decreases your safety cushion, especially when following a truck. Trucks have much larger masses compared to passenger vehicles and require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. By tailgating a truck, you limit your reaction time and ability to maneuver if the truck suddenly stops or slows down. This action increases the risk of a rear-end collision, which can be particularly dangerous given the height and size differences between vehicles. Maintaining an adequate following distance allows you to safely react to any sudden changes in the truck’s speed, ensuring a safer driving environment for both yourself and others on the road.

The other answers do not relate to the inherent dangers of tailgating; for instance, tailgating does not improve visibility or fuel efficiency and may not help with speed matching, as it primarily focuses on the immediate safety risks involved.