Too Close for Comfort? Stay Safe, Stay Back

The National Highways’ new road safety campaign ‘Too close for comfort’ was launched on Tuesday 1 July 2025.

Does someone standing too close to you make you feel uneasy? The same feeling applies on the road.

Tailgating can lead to road users feeling anxious and uncomfortable.

Intentional or not, tailgating continues to be a safety issue. It contributes to an average of 147 people being killed or seriously injured every year on our motorways and major A-roads.

By maintaining a safe distance, you actively reduce the risk of collisions and ensure a more comfortable and secure experience for every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian using our roads.

43% of people admit to tailgating at least sometimes.

60% of people feel uncomfortable when being tailgated, experiencing the same tension and anxiety as when someone invades their personal space in everyday life.

This shows a clear disconnect where actions (whether deliberate or not) frequently cause discomfort for others.

Make the Change: Two Seconds is all it takes

Our message is simple. Maintain a safe following distance of at least two seconds. This isn’t just a rule; it’s a small, conscious change that makes a huge difference to everyone’s safety and driving experience.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Maintaining a safe following distance (at least two seconds) is an easy yet crucial action. It not only enhances safety but also fosters a more relaxed and considerate driving environment.
• Driving too close to the vehicle in front creates a sense of pressure for the other driver and evokes the same unsettling feelings as standing unnecessarily close to someone in everyday life.
• To use the two-second rule, pick a fixed point ahead like a bridge or sign. When the vehicle in front passes it, count “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach that same point before you finish counting, you’re too close – slow down to create more space.
• Remember to double this gap in wet weather and increase it even more when it’s icy for safe stopping.

Small changes in driving behaviour can have a big impact on overall road safety and everyone’s wellbeing on the road.