Tailgating remains prevalent safety risk

New research has found that more than 13 million drivers have tailgated at some point. This is despite the fact that almost all drivers (86%) strongly or somewhat agree that tailgating is an all-too-common problem on UK roads.

The survey, carried out by BookMyGarge, found one-in-three drivers – the equivalent to 13.4 drivers. It found young drivers were twice as likely to tailgate than the average for all age groups, with 63% admitting to doing so. This compares to just 19% of over 65-year-olds.

Regionally, Londoners are by far the most likely to tailgate, with 57% admitting to doing so and perhaps implying that tailgating is more common in urban environments.

Jessica Potts, head of marketing at BookMyGarage.com, said: “Tailgating is evidently a big problem on UK roads – it’s likely every driver can remember a time when they’ve been the victim of it. Drivers should always make sure they leave plenty of space between them and the vehicle in front to reduce the risk of rear end collisions. Likewise, drivers in front should avoid frustrating other motorists in a way that encourages them to tailgate in the first place – for example, by keeping in the left-hand lane on dual carriageways and motorways unless overtaking.

“It’s interesting to see such a large disparity in the results between younger and older drivers. Despite being the most inexperienced motorists on the road, it’s concerning that young drivers appear to be far more likely to tailgate.”

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