More than a fourth of UK motorists disregard the two-second following distance guideline
Tailgating Remains a Persistent Road Safety Issue in the UK
Tailgating, or close following, continues to be a significant concern on UK roads, according to recent statistics and a survey by AA Accident Assist.
In the past seven years (2016-2023), tailgating has been responsible for an average of 147 killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties annually, accounting for 7% of all KSIs during this period. This worrying trend is reflected in the fact that approximately 43% of drivers admit to tailgating at least sometimes, and 23% of business drivers specifically report doing so [1][2][3][4].
The disregard for the recommended safe following distance, known as the "two-second rule," is common. Many drivers tailgate unintentionally, highlighting the need for education and awareness campaigns [1][2]. The two-second rule is advocated as a simple way to maintain a safe distance and avoid collisions, particularly rear-end accidents, which are common consequences of tailgating.
Campaigns like National Highways’ "Too Close for Comfort" aim to reduce this behaviour by raising awareness and promoting safe following distances. These efforts are crucial, as tailgating not only causes discomfort and anxiety to other drivers but can also lead to prosecutions for careless driving under UK law [5].
The survey by AA Accident Assist, involving more than 12,500 British motorists, revealed that 25 percent of those surveyed deliberately disregarded the 'two-second rule' when driving. This indifference towards safe driving practices is concerning, as it increases the risk of accidents.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, has stated that tailgating is a common experience on roads, causing driver intimidation. He encourages drivers to avoid tailgating to prevent causing frustration and potential collisions, especially during summer holidays [6].
If being tailgated, Mr. Rankin suggests pulling over and letting the tailgater pass when safe to do so. He also advises maintaining at least a two-second gap between vehicles to significantly reduce the risk of crashing.
The workload of AA Accident Assist shows that repairs involving front bumpers and vehicle technology are frequent, with more than half of the repairs carried out in 2024 requiring a new front bumper to be fitted. This underscores the importance of safe driving practices, as many crashes could be avoided by maintaining a safe distance.
Rule 126 of the Highway Code states that tailgating is where the gap between you and the vehicle in front is too small for you to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. Officially, 147 people are killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and major A-roads each year due to tailgating, according to data from National Highways [7].
Interestingly, only one in 20 respondents were unaware of the Highway Code rule about tailgating, suggesting that awareness of the issue is high among drivers. However, attitudes towards tailgating have remained unchanged since the AA's previous survey in 2023.
In conclusion, the figures highlight that tailgating and failure to maintain the recommended two-second gap are ongoing problems on UK roads, prompting continuous efforts by road safety organizations to combat these habits. Safe driving practices, such as observing the two-second rule, are essential to reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
- To combat the ongoing issue of tailgating on UK roads, National Highways has launched the "Too Close for Comfort" campaign, aiming to promote safe following distances and reduce this dangerous behavior.
- A luxurious electric SUV, featuring advanced autonomous driving technology, offers a smoother motoring experience for those prioritizing their car-maintenance and accident avoidance in their lifestyle.
- Switching to an electric van can be an attractive choice for businesses looking to decrease their carbon footprint, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of their drivers through interactive vehicle technology designed to maintain a safe distance.
- Careless driving habits, such as tailgating, not only lead to potential collisions but can also affect a driver's ability to enjoy sports, as both driving and playing sports require focus and quick reflexes.
- The disregard for the Highway Code's rule against tailgating and the lack of improvement in attitude toward this issue among drivers indicate the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safe driving practices for a car-conscious and accident-free lifestyle.
