You may not think tailgating is as risky as other driving behaviours, but it’s a contributing factor in 1 in 8 motorway collisions.
Little changes, change everything
Little changes,
change everything
By making little changes when you drive, you can make a big difference to reducing congestion, avoiding collisions and making journeys safer.
What little things can I do?When traffic conditions allow, drive in the left-hand lane.
Keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front.
Middle-lane hogging
Lane hogging is when motorists remain in a middle lane longer than necessary.
Driving in a middle lane is considered poor driving behaviour and is illegal. The middle lanes are for overtaking or providing more space for those who’ve stopped on the hard shoulder. It's essential to follow the Highway Code (Rule 264).
Staying in a middle lane disrupts traffic flow and can be dangerous, causing congestion and increasing the risk of a collision.
Tailgating
Driving too close to the car in front or tailgating can be dangerous. It's essential to keep a safe distance behind the car in front, to protect yourself and other road users. Tailgating reduces your reaction time and increases the risk of a collision.
To keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, use the two-second rule. This means leaving a gap of at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. In bad weather or when towing a trailer, the gap should be four seconds.
Tailgating is not only reckless but also illegal and can result in penalties such as fines, points on your licence, or even a driving ban. If someone is tailgating you, it's best to safely move to the left lane and stay a safe distance from other road users.
Making little changes such as these can transform your journey
By keeping left and staying at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front, you can help to reduce congestion and collisions.
