One In Three Drivers Admit Tailgating As Regions With Worst Road Etiquette Named

New research from National Highways has revealed widespread tailgating and declining road etiquette, with one in three drivers admitting they follow the vehicle in front too closely.

According to Department for Transport data covering 2016 to 2023 (excluding 2020 and 2021), tailgating contributes to around 8% of people killed or seriously injured each year on England’s motorways and major A-roads. That equates to an average of 147 people annually. The Highway Code advises drivers to leave at least a two-second gap on faster roads to allow enough time to react and stop safely.

As part of a campaign to improve driving etiquette, National Highways analysed attitudes and behaviours across England to create a new “manners map”. The south-west ranked highest overall for considerate driving, followed by the north-east, while London and the south-east recorded the lowest scores.

Nationally, one in ten drivers rate their own road etiquette as poor. In the south-west, 46% describe their driving etiquette as good, although 31% admit to tailgating. The region recorded 85 killed or seriously injured incidents on its motorways and major A-roads. In the north-west, 45% say their etiquette is good and 34% admit to tailgating, with 60 serious incidents recorded. Yorkshire and the north-east saw 39% rate their etiquette as good and 36% confess to tailgating, alongside 71 serious incidents.

In the Midlands, 37% consider their driving etiquette good and 36% admit to tailgating, with 106 killed or seriously injured incidents recorded. The east of England reported 46% rating their etiquette positively and 35% admitting to tailgating, with 124 serious incidents. London and the south-east performed worst, with 40% rating their etiquette as good, 41% admitting to tailgating, and 222 serious incidents recorded.

Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “Tailgating may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk. Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.

Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel. A good rule of thumb is the two-second rule, which should be doubled in wet conditions or when visibility is reduced.”

Tailgating is illegal and can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on a driving licence.

Dr Neale Kinnear, a behavioural psychologist specialising in driving behaviours and former head of transport safety at TRL, said: “Driving is a unique context. It’s goal-focused and often time-pressured. When we’re running late or behind other traffic, frustration can build. In that moment, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress.

The reality is different. Drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on. As frustration rises, perspective on the importance of keeping a safe margin, and the impact it has on others can be lost.”