A chain-reaction collision on National Highway 3 in Taoyuan left three people injured — a sobering reminder for drivers to keep a safe following distance.

• On the afternoon of August 16, a four-vehicle pile-up occurred inside the Puding No. 1 Tunnel on the northbound Daxi section of National Highway 3.
• A 42-year-old man surnamed Zhang, driving a Ford sedan in the inside lane, is suspected of following too closely and first struck the Volkswagen sedan ahead of him.
• The vehicle that was hit was pushed forward, setting off a chain reaction that also involved a Honda and a Mercedes-Benz sedan, scattering parts across the road.
• The three injured were taken to En Chu Kong Hospital in Sanxia for examination. None of the drivers had been driving under the influence, and the scene was cleared after about an hour.

Outlook: Police reiterated that failing to keep a safe following distance is the most common cause of accidents on national highways, carrying a fine of up to NT$6,000, and urged drivers to increase their following distance and stay alert to the movements of the vehicle ahead.