Latest news with #motorways
The Independent
15-07-2025
- The Independent
New analysis reveals rise in ‘dangerous mistakes' during summer months
National Highways is urging motorists to take regular, substantial breaks during long summer journeys to combat a significant rise in fatigue-related crashes. Analysis of government statistics reveals an average of 262 people were killed or seriously injured annually between June and August due to driver fatigue on England 's motorways and major A roads, a 59 per cent increase compared to other months. The agency advises planning breaks that go beyond quick stops, suggesting visits to nearby historic sites, beauty spots, or cultural landmarks, and is producing videos to highlight such locations. A National Highways survey found that only 39 per cent of drivers would take a break due to tiredness, with 29 per cent admitting they did not factor in rest stops on their last long trip. The warning follows a recent case where a van driver received a five-year, nine-month prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving after falling asleep at the wheel.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Two major motorways closed after ‘police incident' sparking huge rush hour delays for thousands of drivers
COMMUTERS have been hit with huge rush hour delays after two major motorways were shut following a police incident. Drivers on both the M25 and M1 are facing significant disruption this morning after both routes were temporarily closed. Hertfordshire Police said it had shut the M1 northbound between Junctions 6 and 6A at around 5.15am today, with the M25 later also being closed around Junction 21A. Traffic was temporarily diverted onto the A405 North Orbital Road and other surrounding routes. While police say both roads reopened at around 6.45am, they warned that delays remained in the area. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 1
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Tailgating a factor behind one in eight crashes on UK roads
Over 140 people are killed or seriously injured annually on England's motorways and major A- roads due to tailgating. Tailgating is identified as a factor in at least one in eight collisions across the strategic road network. Research shows 43 per cent of drivers admit to tailgating, yet 60 per cent feel anxious when tailgated. National Highways recommends drivers maintain a two-second gap on dry roads and four seconds in wet conditions. Drivers caught tailgating face a £100 fine and three penalty points, with potential for more severe punishments in serious collisions. The deadly driving act that 43 per cent of people admit to doing
Sky News
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News
'Irritating, intimidating and dangerous': New campaign as tailgating fatalities revealed
More than 140 people are killed or seriously injured in tailgating incidents in England each year, according to research. Tailgating is when a driver does not leave the proper space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them if it were to suddenly break. It is a factor in at least one in eight collisions on England's motorways and major A-roads, according to National Highways. The agency has launched a campaign aimed at tackling the dangerous behaviour. It highlighted that while 43% of drivers admit to tailgating, 60% say they are anxious when it is done to them. 1:29 The discomfort and anxiety caused by tailgating were also reflected in other common, everyday scenarios - with more than half of respondents saying they felt uncomfortable with people walking behind them on the street or on public transport, or standing directly behind them in a lift. Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said keeping a small distance could save lives. "Tailgating isn't just irritating; it's intimidating and dangerous," she said. "Most people wouldn't dream of standing right behind someone in a queue or walking on their heels down the street, yet this is exactly what we see on our roads." 1:56 National Highways says motorists should keep a two-second gap between their car and the vehicle in front of them on dry roads, and four seconds in wet weather. Drivers caught tailgating in England face a £100 fine and three penalty points. In the event of a serious collision, they face more serious punishments, such as a driving ban or imprisonment. Shaun Helmen, chief scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory, said rethinking tailgating as an invasion of personal space might help shift "deeply ingrained driving habits". "By tapping into the universal discomfort many of us feel around an invasion of our personal space, we're not just advising drivers what to do," he said. "We're giving them a relatable life experience to help understand the impact of their actions and encouraging a lasting shift towards more mindful and safer driving behaviours."
Sky News
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News
More than 140 killed or injured in tailgating incidents each year
More than 140 people are killed or seriously injured in tailgating incidents in England each year, according to research. Tailgating is when a driver does not leave the proper space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them if it were to suddenly break. It is a factor in at least one in eight collisions on England's motorways and major A-roads, according to National Highways. The agency has launched a campaign aimed at tackling the dangerous behaviour. It highlighted that while 43% of drivers admit to tailgating, 60% say they are anxious when it is done to them. 1:29 The discomfort and anxiety caused by tailgating were also reflected in other common, everyday scenarios - with more than half of respondents saying they felt uncomfortable with people walking behind them on the street or on public transport, or standing directly behind them in a lift. Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said keeping a small distance could save lives. "Tailgating isn't just irritating; it's intimidating and dangerous," she said. "Most people wouldn't dream of standing right behind someone in a queue or walking on their heels down the street, yet this is exactly what we see on our roads." 1:56 National Highways says motorists should keep a two-second gap between their car and the vehicle in front of them on dry roads, and four seconds in wet weather. Drivers caught tailgating in England face a £100 fine and three penalty points. In the event of a serious collision, they face more serious punishments, such as a driving ban or imprisonment. Shaun Helmen, chief scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory, said rethinking tailgating as an invasion of personal space might help shift "deeply ingrained driving habits". "By tapping into the universal discomfort many of us feel around an invasion of our personal space, we're not just advising drivers what to do," he said. "We're giving them a relatable life experience to help understand the impact of their actions and encouraging a lasting shift towards more mindful and safer driving behaviours."
