The '2-second gap' rule may not be known to many drivers.
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 are required to maintain a minimum distance of 2 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 instruction.
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 following too closely to the vehicle in front.
Statistics from the Roads Authority 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.
A quarter of drivers were found to have failed to keep at least two seconds' distance from each other 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 damage. 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-following has become a normal part of the road, 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 minimize the risk of a collision," he recommends. "If another car is tailgating you, pull over or give way 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 accidents a year, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries.
In response, the regulator launched a campaign, “Don’t be a space invader,” with former F1 champion Nigel Mansell joining in. “I am absolutely against tailgating,” Mansell said. “It’s aggressive, it’s scary, and it has the potential to be catastrophic.”
