White van men exposed as UK’s worst tailgaters

Van drivers are the worst offenders for tailgating on UK roads, according to research.

A study from AXA Business Insurance found that van drivers were 47% more likely to be involved in a crash as a result of following vehicles In front of them too closely.

The survey also found van drivers were much more likely than other drivers to crash while reversing, doing a U-turn and changing lanes. They were also found to be more likely than other road users to get tired or distracted.

However, in their favour, van drivers were found to be less liable to cause accidents on roundabouts, in towns and cities and while overtaking.

They were also outlined as more confident drivers who are less susceptible to drink-driving and speeding than other motorists.

While van drivers were found to be safer than the average driver in most UK regions, the study of more than 1.3 million police crash reports from 2008 to 2012 showed they were much more likely than others to be involved in accidents in London and in the north east of England.

AXA Business Insurance managing director Darrell Sansom said in a statement: "The nation's van drivers play a vital role in our economy.

"Our report shows that in many respects, they are also professional, confident drivers who come out better than everyone else on things like speed, drink-driving and handling heavy traffic.

"However we have to raise the red flag on issues like tiredness and tailgating. We're alerting the Government authorities to our findings and discussing our recommendations for addressing these issues."

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