More drivers are tailgating, speeding and middle-lane hogging, prompting calls for an increase in road traffic officers to tackle poor driving behaviour.
Over half (55%) of drivers say tailgating is getting worse, according to a poll by AA Accident Assist of more than 12,700 drivers. Previously, a third of drivers told the AA that they ignore the two-second gap rule when driving, but tailgating also occurs in slow moving and stationary traffic. According to recent road casualty statistics, three-fifths (60%) of all car collisions occur at junctions, while AA Accident Assist says it helped more than 16,000 drivers involved in rear end crashes in 2023, and around 5,600 drivers so far this year.
Driving behaviours getting worse:
Tailgating – 55%
Speeding – 53%
Middle lane hogging – 52%
Overtaking on the inside/left – 51%
Road rage – 46%
Mobile phone use – 44%
As part of its Motoring Manifesto, the AA is calling for more road traffic officers to improve the standard of driving on UK roads. More traffic officers will be able to stop bad driving practices in real time buat having a more visible police presence on the roads will in itself act as a deterrent to drivers thinking they can get away with things such as using a hand-held mobile phone because their chances of being caught are slim.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “Drivers are worried that the standard of driving is slipping. As well as making sure we drive responsibly, we also need a more visible police presence to keep those willing to misbehave in check.
“It is not a shock that tailgating comes top of the list of behaviours worsening on our roads. Indeed, we know that there is a strong chance that a rear-end collisions can turn into a ‘concertina collision’ where numerous vehicles are damaged.
“As we head into summer, we encourage drivers to allow more space between themselves and other vehicles. Creating at least a two-second gap can help prevent crashes but could also reduce outbursts of road rage.”
