National Highways advises drivers to maintain a two-second gap between vehicles to prevent tailgating and potential fines.
Motorists are being warned to follow the 'two-second rule' to avoid the risk of a £100 fine. National Highways, which operates motorways and major A roads in the UK, says the rule is vital to avoid what is 'the single biggest issue that drivers find irritating or intimidating'. The organisation admits that some drivers do it without realising. Others might do it when they get cut-up by another driver or when they misjudge the speed of the car in front. The rule is all to do with tailgating.
Driving too close to another vehicle makes it hard to stop in an emergency. It is a factor in one in eight crashes on major English roads. But National Highways say the two-second rule can help you avoid it. 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 is made up of the time needed for thinking and stopping, officials say. How can I avoid £100 fine for tailgating? Highways bosses say on their website that it is easy to make use of the ‘two-second rule’ while driving behind another vehicle. Simply pick a static object ahead, such as a bridge, tree or road sign. When the vehicle ahead passes that object, say: 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you get to that tree or other object before you finish saying the phrase, you are too close. What's more, if it is raining or icy, drivers need to at least double the gap. Larger vehicles such as HGVs will also need bigger time gaps. National Highways says: 'Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front gives you time to react and stop if you need to. If you don’t leave a minimum two-second gap, you could be putting yourself and others in danger.' What English law says on tailgating That's right. There are laws against tailgating - and it can lead to fines and other penalties. Rule 126 of the Highway Code says that: “Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police”
Tailgating Driving Rules Highway Code Safety Fines
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