Me? A Tailgater?
Frustrated motorists continue to tailgate
A survey by Green Flag reveals that nearly half of drivers in the UK (48%) admit they do not keep a two-second gap between them and the vehicle in front on motorways.
The company warns that leaving a two-second gap is only enough in dry weather. Drivers must leave at least four seconds or more if the weather is wet or icy because in slippery conditions the braking distance can increase significantly.
Green Flag is backing a call for a return of the old government campaign, which ran with the strapline: 'Only a fool breaks the two second rule' and says there needs to be a clear message to drivers about the consequences of driving too close to the vehicle in front, as drivers do not seem to be aware of the dangers.
Latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that on average five people a week are killed on UK motorways, and more than 50 people a week are seriously injured highlighting the importance of leaving a significant gap to provide time for thinking and braking in an emergency.
Melanie Denny from Green Flag said: "In our rush to get from A to B, we seem to have forgotten the two-second rule and why it was so useful in reminding us of the minimum distance required to stop safely before hitting the car in front. Perhaps now's the time to revive the saying and for the millions of responsible drivers out there to take the lead and show an example to others on the motorways ."
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