Third of drivers ‘ignoring two-second rule’

A third (33%) of drivers are still ignoring or are unaware of the ‘two-second’ gap rule, according to a recent survey by AA Accident Assist. The poll of more than 12,500 drivers found that a quarter (25%) claimed that they knew of the two-second gap rule but often ignored it.

Similarly, 5% claimed that they were unaware of the guidance set out in the Highway Code. Previous research by AA Accident Assist from 2023 shows similar results when many drivers exhibited particularly bad driving behaviour after coming out of lockdown, showing this stubbornly reckless behaviour hasn’t improved.

Tailgating is often cited as the most frustrating behaviour displayed by other road users. Recent figures from National Highways show that approximately 147 people are killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and major A-roads due to tailgating each year. Official statistics from the DfT also confirm that tailgating remains an ongoing problem.

Last year most car drivers were observed leaving a two to four second gap in free-flow traffic, while a quarter left a gap of less than two seconds. Drivers unwilling to keep their distance run the risk of crashing into the vehicle in front of them, says the AA.