Motorists are being warned of a new strategy designed to crack down on reckless drivers on major roads and motorways.
National Highways is targeting the dangerous practice of tailgating, which contributes to 147 deaths or serious injuries annually on England's motorways and major A-roads.
The "Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back" initiative aims to tackle a behaviour that factors into one in eight collisions on the strategic road network.
Despite these alarming statistics, recent research commissioned by National Highways reveals that 43 per cent of drivers admit to tailgating at least occasionally.
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The campaign aims to make roads safer by cracking down on tailgating
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The campaign seeks to address the widespread issue by drawing parallels between tailgating and the discomfort people experience when their personal space is invaded in everyday situations.
Six in 10 drivers report feeling anxious or stressed when being tailgated, according to the survey findings.
This behavioural science-based initiative encourages motorists to view their driving habits from a fresh perspective.
The campaign draws connections between the universal discomfort of personal space invasion and the dangers of insufficient following distances on the road, aiming to prompt lasting changes in driver behaviour.
The 'Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back' campaign will tackle tailgating
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Sheena Hague, Director of Road Safety at National Highways, emphasised the severity of the issue: "Tailgating isn't just irritating; it's intimidating and dangerous.
"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."
"We're asking drivers to pause and see their actions from a different perspective. Keeping a safe distance is a small act of respect that saves lives."
National Highways recommends motorists maintain a minimum two-second gap between vehicles on dry roads, extending this to four seconds when road surfaces are wet.
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It argues that these simple measures could significantly reduce the risk of collisions caused by insufficient stopping distances.
Tailgating constitutes a careless driving offence under UK law, carrying potential penalties of £100 fines and three penalty points on their licences.
More severe cases can result in driving bans or imprisonment if serious collisions occur as a consequence of the behaviour.
The campaign utilises behavioural science insights to help drivers recognise when they're following too closely, often without realising, and encourages more considerate driving habits.
The image, taken from dashcam footage, of a lorry tailgating on the M42 in Warwickshire, was sent to Warwickshire Police as part of Operation Snap
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Shaun Helman, Chief Scientist at the Transport Research Laboratory, praised the campaign's approach: "This is an innovative approach to 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,
"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."
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