Drivers in England face £100 fines over habit millions do ‘unintentionally’
Drivers face GBP100 fines and penalty points in August for a fuel-saving tip they are doing "unintentionally".[1] Todd Bialaszewski, auto expert and founder of Sell My Car Online, has issued an urgent warning over the rise of tailgating on UK roads. Todd explained: "While it's tempting to save money wherever we can, tailgating is not the answer. Firstly, following a car too closely means that you have reduced visibility of your surroundings, limited manoeuvrability, and reduced reaction time.
All this makes it more likely that an accident can occur. "Not to mention that tailgating is illegal in the UK[2] and can result in some serious fines. The claim that this hack will save you money also isn't necessarily true, because the extra strain on your brakes will result in wear and tear expenses eventually."
Todd added: "So if you're taking a summer road trip, remember to maintain a decent following distance to keep yourself and others safe on the road." Highways England warns: "Driving too close to the vehicle in front is dangerous, intimidating and causes accidents, especially when driving at speed. "Tailgating is a factor in 1 in 8 casualties on England's motorways and major A roads. Tailgating is an offence of driving without due care and attention, carrying a minimum GBP100 fine and penalty points and in some cases more severe penalties or court appearance.
"It's easy to tailgate unintentionally. You may be cut-up or misjudge the speed of the vehicle in front, and in turn leave an unsafe gap." It adds: "Tailgating is where the gap between you and the car in front is too close for you to be able to stop safely, if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. "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".
The two seconds are made up of the time needed for thinking and stopping.
The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased further on icy roads or when visibility is poor.
"Dependant on your vehicle type, a greater distance may be necessary."
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