Tailgaiting is a common problem on British roads that can increase the risk of a collision taking place
Drivers could significantly reduce their risk of being in a crash by obeying a rule set out in the Highway Code. Tailgating is when drivers follow a vehicle in front far too closely.
One of the key dangers of this practice is that if the vehicle in front brakes sharply and suddenly, the tailgating car will not have time to safely stop and will go straight into the back of them.
Fortunately, accidents of this nature can be easily avoided by simply obeying the two-second rule. When conditions are dry and clear, the Highway Code recommends that motorists always leave a two-second gap between them and the vehicle in front.
Rule 126 of the Highway Code states: “Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.”
It adds that motorists should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced.
Leaving the best gap for the road condition
While a two-second gap is generally recommended, motorists may need to leave an even longer gap, depending on the road conditions. For example, if it is raining and the road is significantly wet, the two-second gap will need to be doubled.
This is because wet roads make it harder for tyres to gain traction, making it longer for the brakes to stop the car. This stopping distance can go up by 10 times if the conditions are snowy or icy.
The Highway Code says: “The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, you should allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.”
Fine for tailgaiting
Motorists could face significantly high fines if they are found to be following another driver to closely. Tailgaiting can be classed by police as careless driving, which can lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.
However, if a serious collision occurs as a result of you tailgating, the penalty can go up to a flat out driving ban or a prison sentence.
