Simple rule which can prevent you from rear-ending another vehicle
Tailgating is one of the most dangerous driving practices - but it can be easily avoided by following a simple rule in the Highway Code
Motorists could dramatically decrease their chances of being involved in a crash by following a key rule outlined in the Highway Code. Tailgating is a dangerous driving practice where drivers follow the vehicle ahead far too closely, increasing the risk of a crash if the front vehicle stops abruptly.
Thankfully, adhering to the two-second rule can greatly reduce such incidents. In dry and clear conditions, the Highway Code advises drivers maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead.
As stated in Rule 126 of the Highway Code: "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."
Additionally, the code advises drivers to "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."
Varied road conditions
The recommended two-second gap should be adjusted in response to different weather and road scenarios. For instance, during rainfall, when road surfaces become slick, doubling the gap is suggested to ensure safety.
The reason behind this is that damp roads reduce tyre traction, meaning it takes longer for vehicles to stop. In snowy or icy conditions, this stopping distance can increase by up to ten times.
The Highway Code advises: "The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads."
It also cautions: "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."
Penalties for tailgating
Drivers may end up with hefty fines if caught following another vehicle too closely. Police may categorise tailgating as careless driving, attracting a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on the driver's licence.
Should tailgating result in a severe collision, the consequences could escalate to an outright driving ban or even a custodial sentence.
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Following this one Highway Code rule could prevent you from rear-ending other cars Tailgaiting is a common problem on British roads that can increase the risk of a collision taking place Motorists could prevent an accident by following one road rule (Image: Getty Images ) 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. Article continues below 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." Article continues below 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.
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Simple rule which can prevent you from rear-ending another vehicle
Tailgating is one of the most dangerous driving practices - but it can be easily avoided by following a simple rule in the Highway Code Motorists could dramatically decrease their chances of being involved in a crash by following a key rule outlined in the Highway Code. Tailgating is a dangerous driving practice where drivers follow the vehicle ahead far too closely, increasing the risk of a crash if the front vehicle stops abruptly. Thankfully, adhering to the two-second rule can greatly reduce such incidents. In dry and clear conditions, the Highway Code advises drivers maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. As stated in Rule 126 of the Highway Code: "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." Additionally, the code advises drivers to "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." Varied road conditions The recommended two-second gap should be adjusted in response to different weather and road scenarios. For instance, during rainfall, when road surfaces become slick, doubling the gap is suggested to ensure safety. The reason behind this is that damp roads reduce tyre traction, meaning it takes longer for vehicles to stop. In snowy or icy conditions, this stopping distance can increase by up to ten times. The Highway Code advises: "The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased still further on icy roads." It also cautions: "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." Penalties for tailgating Drivers may end up with hefty fines if caught following another vehicle too closely. Police may categorise tailgating as careless driving, attracting a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on the driver's licence. Should tailgating result in a severe collision, the consequences could escalate to an outright driving ban or even a custodial sentence.
