National Highways has a warning over the ‘single biggest issue that drivers find irritating or intimidating’
Motorists are being urged to stick to the ‘two-second rule’ to steer clear of a £100 penalty. Officials at National Highways point out that tailgating stands as “the single biggest issue that drivers find irritating or intimidating”.
Although some may inadvertently fall into the habit, others become tailgaters after being cut-up or misjudging the speed of the car ahead. It is to blame for one in every eight collisions on England’s major roads.
To try to stop this practice, National Highways says use the two-second rule. The rule is easy to understand and remember – and can keep you and others safe on the roads.
The two seconds accounts for the time needed for thinking and braking, as explained by National Highways. You basically need to be two seconds behind the car in front – and there’s an easy way to do it without even counting.
Want to avoid a £100 fine for tailgating? It’s simple, according to experts: as you follow another vehicle, select a stationary roadside object – like a bridge or signpost, reports Lancs Live.
Now just remember eight words. Once the car you’re trailing passes the chosen marker, recite to yourself: “Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.”
Should you reach the object before completing the saying, you’re driving too close. And remember, wet or icy conditions demand an even wider berth, as do vehicles such as HGVs, due to their longer required stopping distances.
National Highways says: “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.”
And yes, for those who like to ride the bumper of the car in front – there are actual laws against tailgating. Rule 126 of the Highway Code makes it clear: “Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police.”
So, let’s say you’re cruising along and find yourself a bit too close for comfort behind another vehicle. If the police catch you playing this risky game of ‘cat and mouse’, they can give you more than just a telling off.
You might end up with a £100 fine along with three points docked off your licence for not keeping your distance.
What should you do if someone is tailgating you?
It’s undeniably unsettling and can feel like an act of aggression. National Highways suggests: “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.”
Many wish tailgaters would just go away. The advice from National Highways is straightforward: “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.”
They also state: “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.”