Tailgating and how to avoid it

Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you – commonly known as ‘tailgating’ – makes it difficult to stop in an emergency, and is a factor in 1 in 8 collisions on our network.

In addition, tailgating is the single biggest issue that drivers find irritating or intimidating about other road users, which can potentially lead to conflict and confrontation.

How to avoid tailgating other drivers

Although people associate tailgating with aggressive driver behaviour, it’s easy to tailgate others unintentionally. For example, you may be cut-up by another vehicle or misjudge the speed of the vehicle in front.

The Highway Code says you should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster moving traffic”. This is made up of the time needed for thinking and stopping.

To apply the ‘two-second rule’ while driving behind another vehicle, choose a static object ahead, such as a bridge, tree or road sign. When the vehicle ahead passes the object, say to yourself, ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.’ If you reach the object before you finish saying it, you’re too close and need to drop back.

When it’s raining or icy you need to at least double that gap. And larger vehicles such as HGVs will need greater time gaps to be able to stop safely

Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front gives you time to react and stop if you need to. If you don’t leave a minimum two-second gap, you could be putting yourself and others in danger.

What the law says

People may not commonly realise that tailgating is against the law, and can lead to fines and other penalties.

Rule 126 of the Highway Code says that: “Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police.”

If you’re spotted by police driving too close to the vehicle in front, they can take action if they think you’re driving without due care and attention.

You could receive a £100 charge and three penalty points on your licence.

What to do if you’re being tailgated

Being tailgated by another vehicle can make you feel intimidated, scared and bullied. While it may not be intentional by the driver behind, it can feel aggressive and personal.

But reacting negatively to tailgaters can create further problems, so it’s important to stay calm and remain in control of your vehicle.

Just drive normally: Don’t let the tailgater's poor behaviour negatively influence your own driving. Simply continue to drive safely and cautiously, aware but not affected by their presence.

Allow them to overtake: Keep a steady speed so they may overtake. Alternatively, pull to the side of the road, or turn off at a petrol station, but only if it’s safe to do so.

Clearly signal: Ensure the tailgater has a clear idea of your intentions by signalling early and changing your speed well in advance of a turn-off.

Keep left: Keep in the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Some tailgaters argue that ‘middle-lane hoggers’ cause tailgating. Don’t give tailgaters an excuse.

Don’t speed up: Generally, this will encourage the tailgater to speed up behind you. Continue to travel at a safe speed. Do not allow the pressure from the tailgater to influence you to drive unsafely.

Don’t slow down: Intentionally slowing down to irritate the close follower or tapping the brake lights can trigger road rage and cause more dangerous scenarios to arise.

Don’t stare in the rear-view mirror: It can be tempting to stare at the driver behind but this can cause you to lose focus on what’s in front of you.