Overview
- Annie Winterburn of Spot On Driving advises leaving a larger gap to the vehicle ahead so drivers can slow gradually without braking suddenly when followed closely.
- The Highway Code recommends a minimum two‑second gap in dry conditions, doubled in wet weather and increased to around 20 seconds on icy roads.
- Government guidance notes longer time gaps at higher speeds, including about 2.4 seconds at 50 mph and 3.1 seconds at 70 mph for safe stopping distances.
- Tailgating is classed as driving without due care and attention, typically resulting in a £100 fixed penalty and three licence points, with tougher penalties possible in court.
- Brake urges motorists to follow the spacing rule as research has linked tailgating to roughly one in eight crashes on England’s motorways and major A roads, which led to a 2022 National Highways campaign.