Tailgating remains a persistent and dangerous issue on UK roads, with Highways England reporting that more than 100 people are killed or seriously injured each year in accidents caused by motorists driving too closely. Now, a driving instructor has shared straightforward advice to help drivers deal with the problem safely.
Annie Winterburn, who runs Spot On Driving, recommends leaving a larger gap between your car and the vehicle in front. 'If the car behind is too close to you and you have to brake suddenly, that car behind you will crash into the back of you,' she said. 'So you have to make sure you don't have to brake suddenly.' By increasing the distance ahead, drivers can slow down gradually, giving tailgaters enough time to react.
The Highway Code advises a minimum two-second time gap on dry roads, doubling to four seconds on wet roads and extending to 20 seconds on icy surfaces. Official guidance also specifies increased distances at higher speeds: 2.4 seconds (about 53 metres) at 50mph and 3.1 seconds (96 metres) at 70mph. National Highways launched a campaign in 2022 to tackle tailgating, which is a factor in one out of every eight crashes on England's motorways and major A roads.
Drivers who tailgate risk being penalised for driving without due care and attention, facing a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points. In serious cases, offenders may be taken to court. Jason Wakeford, head of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, stressed the importance of keeping a safe distance: 'It's vital that drivers leave enough distance between the vehicle in front in order to react in time to any sudden dangers. We'd urge everyone to respect the two-second rule to keep them, and others on the road, safe.'
