Tailgating and road safety

Driving is not a game, so don’t be a Space Invader, because tailgating causes accidents and you will not get an extra life in the real world.

That is the message from road safety experts who warn that nearly 90% of road users have experienced or witnessed tailgating, which is a factor in one in eight crashes on major roads.

Estimates suggest that more than 130 people a year are killed or seriously injured in incidents caused by people driving too close.

A key problem is that many drivers do not even realise they are doing it, because they are just not considering the space needed to stop safely if traffic slows suddenly.

The Highway Code says you should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic”.

This allows time to think and then brake at higher speeds. When it is raining, you need to double the gap.

Highways England has launched a new anti-tailgating campaign to encourage drivers to keep a safe distance from the car in front.

The company compares danger drivers to the iconic computer game Space Invaders and warns motorists: stay safe, stay back.

Tailgating is an offence of driving without due care and attention, carrying a minimum £100 fine, penalty points and in some cases more severe penalties including a court appearance.

In recent trials, new cameras aimed at catching drivers tailgating identified 10,000 vehicles committing the offence in just two weeks.

If you are tailgated, Highways England advises that you avoid speeding up, slowing down, or staring in the rear-view mirror. Reduce the risk to yourself by driving normally, signalling clearly, and allowing people to overtake.

Highways England has also produced a video providing guidance for drivers and fleets on the importance of maintaining a safe distance on the road.

Reflex Vehicle Hire technology actively supports drivers, to identify areas where they can improve their skills and protect them from other road users.

Our Driive with Reflex modular road risk management system includes state-of-the-art telematics and dashcam technology, which can identify dangerous incidents to support training, while speed limiters encourage safe driving.

We can also provide live support from third-party specialists who contact drivers when it is safe to do so if automated safety alerts are triggered.

In a recent case study, contract distribution specialist GSG revealed how it almost eradicated tailgating by monitoring telematics data.

Lisa Spong, Sales Director of Reflex Vehicle Hire, said:

“Our priority is making sure that drivers in our vehicles get home safely at the end of the day. Our technology can have a significant impact on road safety and ensure the highest safety standards for your hired fleet.”

For details of the technology available from Reflex Vehicle Hire, visit our Telematics section.

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