Report Shows Worrying Tailgating and Speeding Trends

Almost six out of 10 drivers admit to tailgating on motorways, a study from Direct Line and road safety lobby Brake has found.

The survey shows that 57% of the 1000 drivers questioned owned up to motorway tailgating, while 60% said they had broken the speed limit by more than 10 mph on dual carriageways and larger motorway road networks.

Men came out as the worst offenders – with 61% admitting to tailgating compared to 53% of women.

And, despite the majority of those surveyed being self-confessed tailgaters, 95% people questioned said they were worried about other drivers tailgating them.
In terms of speeding, the survey found men to be significantly worse than women, with 60% doing 80mph or more, and 36% doing so at least once a month.
This compares to 53% and 22% of women, respectively.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said in a press statement: “Almost all drivers are concerned about the danger posed by other people tailgating on motorways, and yet a shockingly high proportion admit driving too close and speeding themselves. There are no two ways about it: ignore the two-second rule or the speed limit on motorways and you're putting yourself and others at risk of a horrific crash.

“Traffic laws are not just for other people: all drivers can help make our motorways safer and prevent needless tragedies by committing to keep your distance and stay under speed limits, including temporary lower limits.”

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