Final answer:
Tailgating refers to following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front, which is a risky driving behavior that can lead to accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front is known as 'tailgating.' Tailgating is considered a dangerous driving behavior because it does not allow the following driver enough time to react if the vehicle in front makes a sudden stop or deceleration. This can lead to rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of vehicle accidents. It's crucial for drivers to maintain a safe following distance, which can be estimated using the 'three-second rule' – when the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed point, there should be at least three seconds before your vehicle passes the same point. This distance should be increased during adverse weather conditions or when driving at higher speeds.