WASHINGTON – A Virginia State Police initiative aims to reduce fatal crashes in 2014.

The public awareness campaign is focusing specifically on the dangers of drivers following too closely. Beyond being annoying, it’s dangerous. Statistics indicate about a third of accidents are caused by someone tailgating.

Police remind motorists to maintain a three to four second buffer between vehicles in order to allow enough time to react if the car in front suddenly stops.

Police in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. Are also reiterating pleas for motorists not to drink and drive. Every day nearly 30 Americans die in crashes that involve a drunk driver. This is especially important approaching New Year’s Eve.

For information on getting a ride home from SoberRide, visit its website.

WTOP’s Alan Etter contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.