MOTORISTS in Droitwich and Worcester are being warned of the dangers of tailgating following new research, writes Thomas Giles.
A poll, carried out by Select Car Leasing, found tailgating was the issue which caused British motorists the most distress.
Of the 1,200 people surveyed, 32 per cent said being tailgated was their biggest fear, ahead of ‘breaking down’ (31 per cent) and ‘being crashed into’ (25 per cent).
The survey also concluded a large number of people believed tailgating had become more of an issue in recent years due to increasingly aggressive behaviour on the roads.
Select Car Leasing director Mark Tongue said: “It’s not just a nuisance, it can also be absolutely terrifying for some motorists.
“If you’re driving along, at the speed limit, and someone is an inch behind our rear bumper and acting in an aggressive manner, it can be extremely intimidating.
“If you’re guilty of doing it, you need to understand just how much emotional harm and distress you could be causing.”
This latest survey comes following Highways England’s ‘Don’t be a Space Invader’ campaign last September, which warned against the dangers of tailgating.
Highways England statistics show one in eight of all road casualties was caused by tailgating.
The Highway Code states there should be a minimum of a two-second gap between cars in order to allow motorists to stop in time.
This gap should be at least double the time in rainy conditions.
Punishments for tailgating range from a £100 fine and three penalty points to a possible prison sentence.
Highways England suggests anyone falling victim to tailgating should continue to drive normally and not let the perpetrator negatively influence their own driving.
It also advises, if it is safe to do so, drivers should pull over and allow the tailgater to overtake.
The organisation also recommends motorists do not speed up, as this will encourage the tailgater to speed up behind them, or slow down, which will only infuriate them further.
Visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk/staysafestayback for more information on Highways England’s anti-tailgating campaign.
