A motorist is required to comply with Section 1129 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, which provides: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway." The motorist is required to drive (his, her) car at a sufficient distance behind the car ahead so as to be able to stop without striking the car ahead when the car is stopped with due care. The fact that defendant CD's car ran into plaintiff AB's car which the defendant had been following should be considered in determining whether the defendant used reasonable care, but, standing alone, does not require that you find that the defendant was negligent.

Related Doctrine:

      The assured clear distance ahead doctrine provides that a motorist must drive his car at a speed that is no greater than that within which he can bring the car (truck) to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead

      This is a somewhat broader rule because it encompasses situations other than the vehicle in front of the driver. It means that a driver must know the "sight distance" and drive no faster than he can bring the car (truck) to a stop within the distance ahead that he can see.