Tailgating survey finds a third of drivers guilty
One in three drivers in the UK admit to tailgating, according to new research carried out by National Highway.
The issue was most common in London and the South East, with 41% of drivers saying the drive too close to the car in front.
This was followed by the Midlands (36%), Yorkshire and the North East (36%), the east of England (35%), the North West (34%) and the South West (31%).
Tailgating contributes to about eight per cent of people killed or seriously injured on England’s motorway and A-roads every year, according to Department for Transport data.
Two-second rule
Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “Tailgating may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk. Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.
“Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel.
“A good rule of thumb is the two-second rule, which should be doubled in wet conditions or when visibility is reduced.”
