Drivers face ‘minimum’ £100 fine for breaking little-known ‘two second’ rule
Brit motorists have been warned that drivers who TAILGATE are the most at risk of suffering[1] expensive pothole damage. UK drivers are told to keep a 'two second' gap between themselves and the motor in front - or risk running into trouble. The term 'tailgating'[2] refers to when someone drives too close to the car in front.
The often intimidating and aggressive manoeuvre isn't just a major irritation for those who fall victim to it, it's also extremely dangerous, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision as stopping distances decrease. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, points out: "When you get too close to the car in front, you're not just driving dangerously, you're also scuppering your view of the road ahead. Your vision will be dominated by the rear end of the vehicle you're tailgating, and you'll have little to no visibility of the actual Tarmac in front of you.
"And when a pothole does, inevitably, loom into view, a tailgater will have clonked over it before they've even seen it, potentially causing extensive damage to their vehicle. On the other hand, drivers who leave a good, healthy gap between themselves and the car in front will have a more extensive view of potential obstacles and are better equipped to take evasive action when they encounter a road crater. "It's perhaps a case of tailgaters getting their just desserts, as it's a poor driving habit that can have terrible consequences." National Highways reports that tailgating is a factor in 1 in 8 casualties on England's motorways and major A roads.
It's also an offence under 'driving without due care and attention' prosecutions and attracts a minimum of a GBP100 fine and penalty points - and in some cases could result in even heftier fines and a court appearance.
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