- A quarter of drivers ignore the two-second gap rule, one in
20 unaware it exists - unchanged from 2023
- Government stats show 25% of car drivers are too close
- "These crashes could be avoided simply by backing off the car
in front" advises Accident Assist MD
A third (33%1) of drivers are still ignoring or are an
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, one in 20 (5%) claimed that they were
unaware of the guidance set out in the Highway Code2.
Previous research by AA Accident Assist from 2023 shows similar
results when many drivers exhibited particularly bad driving
behaviour after coming out of lockdown3, showing this
stubbornly reckless behaviour hasn't improved.
Tailgating is often cited as the most frustrating behaviour
displayed but other road users, yet it is experienced far too
frequently. Recent figures from National Highways show that 147
people were killed or seriously injured on England's motorways
and major A-roads due to tailgating4.
Official statistics from the Department for
Transport5, 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. In 2024, 58% of repairs
carried out by AA Accident Assist required a new bumper
unit6. As vehicles become more advanced, increased
technology is often found within the bumpers. Parking sensors,
cameras and cruise control radar systems often need repair and
calibration which adds to the cost and time needed to fix the car
after a collision.
As well as jeopardising their insurance premiums, tailgaters
waste money hand over fist from the impact of braking and
speeding up on fuel efficiency.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said; “It
seems driver behaviour towards tailgating remains unmoved, with
it being an all too regular experience on the roads. Regardless
of motorways or local streets, drivers feel intimidated by others
following too close behind.
“Our workload shows that bumpers and the technology within them
are the most common repairs. As well as vehicle parts, personal
injury claims due to tailgating related crashes are being made.
In many cases, these crashes could be avoided simply by backing
off the car in front.
“Nobody wants to spoil their summer holidays with an avoidable
collision. By allowing at least a two-second gap between yourself
and the car in front, you significantly reduce the risk of
crashing into that vehicle. Similarly, if you are being
tailgated, where safe to do so, pull over and let them pass. It
is better to cut them loose rather than feel frustrated and try
to slow them down."
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Yonder received 12,727 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 10th to 18th June 2025. Yonder is a member of
the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
2. Rule 126 taken from The Highway Code The Highway Code - General
rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to
158) - Guidance - GOV.UK
3. Drivers Ignore The Two Second
Gap Rule | AA
4. Too Close for Comfort? Stay
Safe, Stay Back. - National Highways
5. Vehicle speed compliance
statistics for Great Britain: 2024 - GOV.UK
6. Wires Beat Bumpers For Car
Repairs 2024 | AA
