00:00Tailgating may seem like a small annoyance, but the reality is serious,
00:04and Yorkshire and the North East have some stark numbers to prove it.
00:08Last year, 71 serious collisions on motorways and major A roads were linked to drivers following too closely.
00:15Each one of these incidents could have been prevented by leaving a simple gap.
00:19National highways research shows that across Britain,
00:23almost 5 million drivers admit their manners slip behind the wheel when under pressure.
00:27Being late, tired or stuck in traffic can push even the most considerate drivers to take risks.
00:34Around 2.4 million drivers admit that they tailgate deliberately,
00:38hoping to make slower vehicles move faster.
00:41It may save seconds, but those seconds can come at a high cost.
00:45Experts explain why we behave this way.
00:48Behavioural psychologist Dr Neil Kinnear says that driving is unique.
00:52It's goal-focused, time-pressured and emotionally charged.
00:55When we're running late or stuck behind traffic, frustration can build quickly.
01:00Closing the gap can feel like control, but drivers overestimate any time gained
01:05and underestimate the risk to themselves and others.
01:08Colin Stevenson, the road safety information lead at National Highways,
01:12says that following too closely leaves almost no time to react if the vehicle in front slows or stops.
01:18A safe gap prevents collisions, keeps traffic moving smoothly and reduces stress for everyone.
01:24It's simple courtesy that saves lives.
01:27The Highway Code advises leaving at least a two-second gap on faster roads,
01:31doubling that in wet weather or poor visibility.
01:34Ignoring that isn't just risky, it's also illegal.
01:37Police can impose a £100 fine and three penalty points if a driver is judged to be too close,
01:43yet tailgating remains common.
01:45In Yorkshire and the north-east, 36% of drivers admit to it.
01:49Even so, the region ranks third out of six in the National Highways' Manor's map,
01:54with 39% rating local road etiquette as good.
01:58The numbers show there's progress, but there's also room for improvement.
02:02Nationally, the biggest triggers for poor driving etiquette are running late,
02:06tiredness and peak time commuting.
02:09These stats show how everyday pressures can influence behaviour behind the wheel.
02:13Understanding these triggers can help drivers pause, breathe and make safer choices.
02:18Following too closely often means there's no time to avoid a crash if a car breaks suddenly.
02:24Even minor collisions can cause major delays, stress and injuries.
02:28Simple adjustments, such as leaving space, reducing speed or switching lanes safely,
02:33can prevent these situations.
02:35Whether it's a short journey to work or a longer trip on the motorway,
02:38leaving space between vehicles makes a real difference.
02:41National Highways say safe driving isn't just about obeying the law,
02:45but it's about protecting yourself and others.
02:47Courtesy on the road, combined with awareness of your own triggers,
02:50can prevent serious injury and save lives.
02:53Slowing down, keeping your distance and following the two-second rule
02:57can make all the difference.
02:58An bill can make all the difference.
02:58An bill can make all the difference.
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