National Highways launches Too Close for Comfort campaign

Launched on 1 July National Highways' new campaign aims to tackle the issue of close following (tailgating) on the Strategic Road Network.

National Highways want to encourage all drivers to maintain asafe distance from the car in front, focusing on how tailgating makes other road users feel. The strategy draws on clear parallels betweenthe discomfort of being closely followed in everyday life and the anxiety experienced when tailgated on the road.

The goal is to highlight tailgating as socially unacceptable, not just unsafe.

Key stats:

– 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.

Campaign Insight

Close following is a persistent andsignificant issue on the Strategic Road Network. It accounts for an average of 147 KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) yearly between 2016 and 2023. It was a factor in 7% of all KSIs during the same period. Many drivers tailgate unintentionally, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education.

Make the Change: Two Seconds is all it takes

The 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.

For more information click here.