Tailgaters Targeted by National Highways

Get off m'chuff!

National Highways has this week rolled out a hard-hitting campaign to remind motorists of the simple, yet lifesaving, two-second rule. Despite broad awareness of the guideline, the reality on England’s busiest roads tells a different story. New data show that, while eight in ten drivers claim familiarity with the rule, far too many still allow dangerously small gaps, often without realising the peril they invite.

In an online poll conducted for National Highways, 80% of respondents said they knew about the two-second rule, and 75% insisted they had not driven too close to the vehicle ahead in the previous three months. Yet these self-assessments collide head-on with enforcement trials and collision figures, revealing a stubborn disconnect between perception and practice.

Tens of thousands of Guilty Motorists

Over a year-long trial on a stretch of the M1, tailgating cameras recorded 60,343 instances of vehicles following too closely (an average of more than 165 a day) and flagged 10,994 repeat offenders. 2,144 of those drivers received warning letters, armed with hard data on their exact plate and location, along with educational material on safe braking distances.

“Most tailgating is unintentional,” says Jeremy Phillips, Head of Road Safety at National Highways. “Drivers simply don’t realise they’re infringing on someone else’s space. But the closer you get, the less time you have to react. Leaving a two-second gap isn’t negotiable—it’s a non-negotiable safety margin that could be the difference between a near-miss and a fatal collision.”

You'll need a lot of Road

Under the Highway Code, the two-second rule applies on any road carrying faster-moving traffic and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. At 50 mph, a two-second gap equates to roughly 53 metres—about half a football pitch—rising to 96 metres at 70 mph. In wet conditions, drivers should double the gap; on icy roads, they should add at least another second. These adjustments account for reduced tyre grip and extended braking distances, yet many still underestimate the physics at play.

Visual perception compounds the problem. In a pair of images released by National Highways, both shots maintain a 7.5 metre gap between vehicles: visually tight but practically hopeless, translating to just 0.34 seconds at 50 mph. While drivers viewing the first image from inside the lead car would instantly spot the danger, those behind often misjudge the space as acceptable. One in three survey respondents believed a gap of one to two car lengths was enough—a fraction of the recommended distance.

Beyond the immediate crash risk, tailgating carries legal consequences. The offence of “driving without due care and attention” starts with a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points; serious cases can escalate to court, higher fines, or even disqualification. With motorway speeds routinely exceeding 70 mph, the margin for error narrows to tenths of a second—hardly room for negotiation in the event of a sudden slowdown.

Road safety charity Brake has thrown its weight behind the campaign. Jason Wakeford, Brake’s Head of Campaigns, stresses that even experienced drivers need constant reminders. “It’s vital that motorists leave enough distance to react to sudden dangers,” Wakeford warns. “Respecting the two-second rule protects everyone on the road—drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users alike.”

Similarly, the Institute of Vehicle Recovery, representing those who keep roads clear, has voiced support. President Nick Ovenden points to the added benefit of protecting roadside workers: “By maintaining safe distances—and moving over where possible when approaching stopped vehicles—we create a buffer zone for recovery operatives. This campaign underscores precautionary measures that not only save lives in transit but also safeguard our workforce.”

The Two Second Rule

National Highways plans to use the M1 trial outcomes to shape future initiatives. While no drivers were prosecuted during the camera trial, the data-driven warnings served as a stark wake-up call. The organisation has published all findings on a dedicated webpage, complete with visual aids and step-by-step guidance on applying the two-second rule.

For drivers committed to mastering the road, adopting the two-second rule must become instinctive. Next time you settle into a motorway cruise or navigate a rural A-road, choose a fixed landmark, count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand,” and check your position. If you arrive early, ease back. In the high-speed theatre of modern motoring, that split-second decision could save a life—perhaps even your own.

Dealing with the idiot Behind

If you're the victim of a tailgater, you must seize control of your emotions first.

Without a cool head, the dangers are real. Temptation to flash brake lights, or even dab your brakes might be great, but if it goes wrong then you're in serious trouble. High powered car owners will be tempted to out accelerate the car behind, but you're then risking your own licence because of someone else's actions.

Stay calm and don't let the drama behind dictate how you drive.

If there's no room to let the offender pass then simply reduce your speed to ensure you have ample braking distance in front so that in the event of you having to deal with a hazard, you have more time and space.

Then let them past at the earliest opportunity and chalk up a win to keeping your cool.

For more thoughts on tailgating, check out our Dealing with Tailgaters guide.

July 2025