Driving too close or tailgating the vehicle in front is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. This behaviour dramatically increases the likelihood of a collision on the road, which could also endanger other road users.
By maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front, you reduce the risk of a collision, especially if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. The Highway Code states that you should “allow at least a 2-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic.”It’s crucial to view speed limits as the maximum safe speed, not a target to be reached as quickly as possible.
Tailgating is an aggressive behaviour that elicits emotional responses, making it difficult for drivers to react to road conditions and other hazards.
If you are tailgated, staying calm and focused on the road ahead is important. Slow down to reduce the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, giving you more reaction time. If it is safe to do so, pull over and let them pass. Most importantly, don’t increase your speed, as you may not be able to control your vehicle safely, and this may encourage the tailgater to match it.
A study by National Highways revealed that one in every eight (12.5%) casualties on England’s major routes are caused by tailgating. In response, they launched the “Don’t Be A Space Invader” campaign, using the classic arcade game to emphasise the importance of leaving enough space between vehicles.
Tailgating is unacceptable and dangerous. Drivers should always maintain at least a 2-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front, especially on motorways and dual carriageways. This distance should be increased in wet or severe weather conditions.
While new vehicles have safety technology to alert drivers when they are too close to the vehicle in front, deliberate tailgating remains an issue, as an alert can be ignored.
Drivers need to be aware of the substantial penalties for tailgating, which can include a £100 on-the-spot fine and three points on their licence. More severe cases can lead to a driving ban or even a prison sentence.
To avoid tailgating the driver in front, you should reference the typical overall stopping distances, which obviously change the faster you travel. For example, a typical overall stopping distance (thinking time + braking time) for a car travelling at 30mph would be 23 metres – about six car lengths. You could find yourself in trouble if you can’t stop within this distance. Remember: stopping distances double in wet conditions, so stay alert and allow sufficient space between your car and the vehicle in front.
All drivers must prioritise safety out on the road to prevent unnecessary collisions and harm.
