National Highways urges drivers to ‘Stay Safe, Stay Back’ as tailgating linked to over 140 serious incidents each year
A new safety campaign from National Highways is warning drivers about the dangers of tailgating, as figures show more than 140 people are killed or seriously injured each year in incidents involving close following on England’s major roads.
Tailgating – driving too close to the vehicle in front – is a factor in one in eight collisions on the strategic road network. Despite this, nearly half of drivers admit to doing it at least occasionally.
The ‘Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back’ campaign highlights how tailgating makes others feel unsafe, anxious and stressed – with new research drawing parallels between road behaviour and real-life social discomfort when someone invades personal space.
Drivers are being reminded to keep at least a two-second gap on dry roads, and double that in wet conditions.
National Highways’ Sheena Hague said:
“Tailgating isn’t just irritating – it’s intimidating and dangerous. We’re asking drivers to see it from a different perspective and give others space.”
Tailgating is a careless driving offence and could lead to fines, penalty points, a ban or even prison in the most serious cases. You can find out more at the campaign website: Too Close for Comfort.