Who is that in your rear-view mirror?

It may be the Washington State Patrol — if you’ve been caught tailgating.

The Washington State Patrol is in the middle of emphasis patrols being conducted statewide that is focusing on drivers who follow too close to the vehicle in front of them.

Officials with the WSP note that State Troopers investigated more than 9,500 collisions last year caused by following too close and stopped approximately 24,300 drivers for the violation.

State law requires drivers, law enforcement officials note, “to follow at a distance that is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”

Drivers cited for following too close can get a ticket that costs $136 — or $187 if a collision is involved.

Drivers are asked to help cut down on the number of injury and fatality collisions in Washington by increasing their following distance and giving themselves more time to react. These two steps are especially important when traffic is congested, during times of adverse weather, or when traveling speeds are high.

The emphasis patrols will continue through Thursday, March 9.