More than a quarter (27%) of UK drivers say tailgating is the most frustrating behaviour they encounter on the road, new research from The AA shows.
The nationwide poll of over 12,000 motorists found that middle lane hogging (19%) and using a hand-held mobile phone while driving (16%) round out the top three irritations. Other annoyances include cutting across lanes, speeding, and slow driving.
Jack Cousens, the AA’s head of roads policy, said tailgating remains the top complaint for good reason. “Being tailgated creates pressure, stress, and fear — particularly if you need to brake suddenly,” he explained. “Drivers need to leave enough space to prevent needless crashes.”
Despite being a common cause of collisions, tailgating isn’t a specific motoring offence. Offenders can be charged with careless or dangerous driving, depending on circumstances. Enforcement, however, often relies on officers witnessing the act, rather than camera detection.
The AA is urging the government to increase the number of specialist traffic officers by 1,000 to help police the issue more effectively.
Driver trainers can use this reminder to reinforce the ‘two-second rule’ with learners and fleet clients, especially in poor weather. Understanding how to maintain safe separation is a simple but powerful way to prevent rear-end collisions and improve confidence on the road.
1 thought on “Tailgating Still the Most Annoying Habit on UK Roads”
It’s ‘ere we go again. Close following is not primarily an irritant. It is dangerous with some 30% of crashes being associated with the practice. That the practice is dangerous is mentioned as a secondary element, not the primary and eye-catching one, which is what it should be. Contary to the AA comment, close following is ticketable under ‘due care and attention’ with a fine of £100 and 3 points on the licence.
Yes, of course, if a poll is done with average drivers, most of which would fail the standard, or basic, driving test, and with their general level of understanding about safe driving practises, they are likely to say that close following is an irritant. Doing the poll in that way also says much about the AA’s understanding of safe driving practises The video, ‘Two Seconds and Counting is pertinent. https://youtu.be/2lAx_dp9CjY . That video also illustrates why the two second rule is fundamentally unsound and ADIs, being the professional cadre for teaching learners, should know this.