A NEW campaign highlighting the dangers of tailgating and encouraging drivers to keep their distance has been launched.
National Highways has set up a new safety campaign: Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back – urging drivers to recognise the risks of close following and change their habits behind the wheel.
Tailgating – when a driver doesn’t leave sufficient distance to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly – contributes to an average of 147 people being killed or seriously injured (KSI) each year.
Despite the risks, a recent survey for National Highways found 43 per cent of drivers admit to tailgating at least occasionally, while 60 percent say they feel anxious or stressed when others do it to them.
This mirrors similar feelings to when people feel their personal space is being invaded.
Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: “Tailgating isn’t just irritating; it’s intimidating and dangerous.
“Most people wouldn’t dream of standing right behind someone in a queue or walking on their heels down the street, yet this is exactly what we see on our roads.
“We’re asking drivers to pause and see their actions from a different perspective. Keeping a safe distance is a small act of respect that saves lives.”
National Highways is urging drivers to leave at least a two-second gap on dry roads – a critical safety measure that should be doubled to four seconds if the road surface is wet.
The campaign draws on behavioural science to explore why drivers tailgate, often without realising, and how small, relatable, real-life experiences can prompt safer driving.
Tailgating is against the law and can lead to fines and other penalties. It falls under the careless driving offence and can result in a £100 charge and three penalty points.
In the worst cases, tailgating can result in a driving ban or even a prison sentence if a serious collision occurs as a result.
To learn more about the campaign and how to keep a safe distance, visit National Highway’s webpage.
