Back off! More than half of drivers say tailgating is getting worse – AA

More than half (55%¹) of drivers say tailgating is getting worse according to a poll by AA Accident Assist. The survey of more than 12,700 drivers also found that behaviours such as speeding and hogging the middle lane were also rising. Previously, a third of drivers² told the AA that they ignore the two-second gap rule when driving, but tailgating also occurs in slow moving and stationary traffic. According to the latest road casualty statistics, three fifths (60%³) of all car collisions occur at junctions.

The findings come as AA Accident Assist⁴ reveals that they helped more than 16,000 drivers involved in rear end crashes in 2023, and around 5,600 drivers so far this year. With a busy summer expected across UK roads, drivers are being advised to keep their distance as they head off to their holiday destinations.

Driving behaviours getting worse

1. Tailgating – 55%
2. Speeding – 53%
3. Middle lane hogging – 52%
4. Overtaking on the inside/left – 51%
5. Road rage – 46%
6. Mobile phone use – 44%

As part of their Motoring Manifesto⁵, The AA is calling for more road traffic officers to improve the standard of driving on UK roads. More traffic officers will be able to stop bad driving practices in real time, but having a more visible police presence on the roads will in itself act as a deterrent. At the moment, some feel they can get away with certain activities such as using a hand-held mobile phone because their chances of being caught are slim.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “Drivers are worried that the standard of driving is slipping. As well as making sure we drive responsibly, we also need a more visible police presence to keep those willing to misbehave in check.

“It is not a shock that tailgating comes top of the list of behaviours worsening on our roads. Indeed, we know that there is a strong chance that a rear-end collisions can turn into a ‘concertina collision' where numerous vehicles are damaged.

“As we head into summer, we encourage drivers to allow more space between themselves and other vehicles. Creating at least a two-second gap can help prevent crashes but could also reduce outbursts of road rage.”

ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Yonder received 12,723 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 18th March 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

2. Drivers Ignore The Two Second Gap Rule | AA (theaa.com)

3. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65143a8988281e000db4e95f/ras0503.ods

4. Accident Assist and Recovery | Road Accident Assistance | AA (theaa.com)

5. AA Motoring Manifesto 2024 | AA (theaa.com)