The '2-second gap' rule that many drivers may not know
A new study finds that up to a third of drivers admit to ignoring or even not knowing the "two-second gap" rule - one of the most important driving safety principles.
According to the Road Traffic Act, drivers should maintain a minimum distance of two seconds from the vehicle in front to ensure enough reaction time in the event of sudden braking or sudden changes in traffic. However, a survey of more than 12,500 people by AA Accident Assist (UK) found that 25% of drivers regularly ignore this advice.
In fact, one in 20 people are completely unaware of this rule, putting them and those around them at higher risk of traffic accidents when they drive too close to the vehicle in front.
Statistics from the Roads Agency show that tailgating is responsible for 1 in 8 major road accidents. Although many people consider this behaviour to be dangerous and unpleasant, it is still very common in practice.
A quarter of drivers were found to have failed to keep at least two seconds of distance when travelling on open roads in the past year, the UK Department for Transport said.
Not only is tailgating dangerous, it can also lead to serious financial loss. In 2024, 58% of repairs handled by AA Accident Assist involved replacing bumpers. These are increasingly being fitted with technology such as reversing sensors and cruise radar, making repairs more expensive and time-consuming.
In addition, drivers also consume a lot of fuel due to constant acceleration and braking, negatively affecting consumption and insurance premiums.
Tim Rankin, Director of AA Accident Assist, said: “Tail-passing has become a normal part of our roads, leaving many drivers feeling anxious. Whether on the motorway or in the city, being tailgated can be unnerving.”
"Keep a two-second distance from the car in front to reduce the risk of a collision," he recommends. "If another car is tailgating you, pull over or yield when possible. It's better to avoid them than to confront them."
Hundreds of people die or are seriously injured every year in tailgating accidents. The UK Highways Authority estimates there are around 4,000 such incidents each year, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries.
In response, the regulator launched the “Don’t Be a Space Intruder” campaign, with former F1 champion Nigel Mansell as its co-founder. “I am absolutely against tailgating,” Mansell said. “It’s aggressive, it’s scary, and it has the potential to be disastrous.”
