Midlands drivers ‘worst in the country’ for tailgating

MIDLANDS drivers are among the worst in the country for ‘tailgating’.

Research from National Highways shows the region is below the national average for safe driving when it comes to leaving sufficient space from the vehicle in front.

Shocking statistics have been released as part of National Highways ’ Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back’ campaign.

The figures show tailgating was a factor in 106 fatal or serious-injury collisions on motorways and major A-roads in the Midlands last year.

The research also revealed 36 per cent of drivers in the Midlands admitted to tailgating and the region rated fourth out of six on National Highways’ ‘manners map’.

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National Highways is urging motorists to make sure they drive a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

The organisation says, despite Britain priding itself on politeness and consideration, millions of drivers across the country feel their day-to-day manners worsen when driving.

Nationally, 4.9million drivers said their manners slip behind the wheel when they are under pressure, especially when they are running late.

A further 2.4million motorists admitted tailgating deliberately, to push slower drivers to speed up.

National data suggests running late is the biggest trigger for poor driving etiquette (with 27 per cent of respondents citing it as a reason), followed by tiredness (20 per cent) and peak time commuting (16 per cent).

Some 37 per cent of Midlands drivers rated road etiquette as ‘good’, putting the region fourth on the manners map.

Concern

Colin Stevenson, National Highways’ road safety information lead, said: “While the regional picture varies, it’s clear tailgating remains a real concern.

“It may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk. Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.

“Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel.”

He added, a good rule of thumb for faster roads was the ‘two-second rule’. Drivers count two seconds from the car in front passing a fixed point to when they pass the same point, to gauge a safe distance. Two seconds allows time for drivers to think and stop safely (including the braking distance) and should be doubled to four seconds in poor weather or reduced visibility.

Nationally, tailgating contributes to around eight per cent of people killed or seriously injured annually on motorways and major A-roads, according to long term Department for Transport data.

Dr Neale Kinnear, a behavioural psychologist specialising in driving behaviour, said: “Most of us see ourselves as considerate people but driving is a unique context. It is goal focused and often time pressured.

“When we’re running late, or behind other traffic, frustration can build.

“In that moment, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress.

“The reality is different – drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on.

“As frustration rises, perspective on the importance of keeping a safe margin, and the impact it has on others, can be lost.”

The importance of adhering to the ‘two-second rule’ is also highlighted by the fact tailgating is an illegal offence.

Police can take action if they believe a driver is too close to the vehicle ahead and it can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.