Following too close to the vehicle in front, or ‘tailgating’, is a significant issue on the
strategic road network impacting both safety and drivers’ journey experiences.
Tailgating is a factor in 1 in 8 crashes and 25% of drivers admitted to driving too close to the
car in front, making it difficult to stop in an emergency.
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”. The two seconds are made up of the
time needed for thinking and stopping. And when it’s raining you need to at least double that
gap.
So, if you don’t leave a minimum two-second gap, you could be putting yourself and
others in danger.
DON’T BE A SPACE INVADER! STAY SAFE. STAY BACK!
This is a National Highways message – you can find out more here.
