New research from National Highways has revealed widespread tailgating and a broader decline in road etiquette among drivers in England.

It has prompted renewed safety warnings for motorists on the country’s busiest roads.

At the same time, drivers are being urged to review and improve their own driving behaviours in the name of road safety.

Road manners

National Highways, the government-owned company that manages England’s motorways and major A-roads, analysed driver attitudes and behaviours nationwide to produce a new ‘manners map’.

This highlights how considerate motorists are in the different regions of Britain.

Its findings suggest that poor driving habits are far from rare.

One in three drivers admitted to tailgating another vehicle, despite long-standing safety advice against the practice and encouragement to practice the ‘two-second rule’.

According to collision data from the Department for Transport, following too closely contributes to around 8% of people killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and major A-roads each year.

That equates to an average of about 147 people annually, based on five years of data from 2016 to 2023, excluding the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

It’s behind you

The National Highways study also found that one in ten motorists rate their own road etiquette as poor, reinforcing concerns that patience and courtesy may be declining on the road network.

Under the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency-backed The Highway Code guidance, drivers are advised to leave at least a two-second gap between their vehicle and the one in front on faster roads.

The rule is designed to allow enough time to react and stop safely if traffic slows suddenly.

However, the research suggests many drivers fail to maintain that distance in real-world conditions.

Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said tailgating may appear minor but carries serious risks.

“Tailgating may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk,” he said.

“Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.

“Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel.”

 
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of road incident in the UK, accounting for over 22% of all recorded crashes.
 
Estimates of the annual cost to insurers range from £500 to £ 750 million.
 
Recent data indicate that repair costs have risen significantly in recent years, with average repair bills now around £1,678 for each of the 420,000 rear-end bumps each year.

Stevenson added that drivers should follow the two-second rule, and double it in wet conditions or when visibility is poor.

Tailgating is also illegal.

Motorists caught tailgating can face enforcement action, including a £100 fixed penalty notice and three points on their driving licence.

Driving your town

The research also revealed significant regional differences in driving behaviour.

Drivers in the south-west were ranked the most considerate overall, with 46% rating their driving etiquette as good and 31% admitting to tailgating.

The region recorded 85 killed or seriously injured incidents on motorways and major A-roads.

The north-west followed closely behind, where 45% rated their manners positively, while 34% admitted to driving too close to the vehicle in front.

Sixty serious or fatal incidents linked to tailgating were recorded in the region.

In Yorkshire and the north-east, 39% of drivers described their etiquette as good, and 36% acknowledged tailgating.

The region recorded 71 killed or seriously injured collisions.

The Midlands showed similar behaviour levels, with 37% rating their driving etiquette as good and 36% admitting to tailgating.

The area saw 106 serious or fatal incidents on its major roads.

In the east of England, 46% of motorists rated their driving manners positively, while 35% said they had followed another vehicle too closely.

The region recorded 124 serious collisions.

London and the south-east scored lowest overall in the manners rankings.

While 40% of drivers believed their behaviour was good, 41% admitted to tailgating, the highest proportion in the country.

The region also recorded the highest number of serious incidents, with 222 people killed or seriously injured.

Under pressure

Behavioural psychologist Dr Neale Kinnear, who specialises in driving behaviour and previously led transport safety research at the TRL, said the findings reflect how pressure can affect motorists’ judgement.

“Most people see themselves as considerate people,” she said. “Driving is a unique context. It’s goal-focused and often time-pressured. When we’re running late or behind other traffic, frustration can build.”

“In that moment, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress.

“The reality is different. Drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on. As frustration rises, perspective on the importance of keeping a safe margin and the impact it has on others can be lost.”

National Highways said the new research is intended to encourage motorists to reflect on their behaviour and make small changes that could significantly improve safety across England’s road network.