Millions Admit to Tailgating as National Highways Calls for Better Road Manners

National Highways is warning motorists to rethink their behaviour behind the wheel after new research revealed widespread tailgating and declining driving etiquette across England’s roads.

While the UK is often associated with courtesy and good manners, the findings suggest that behaviour can shift dramatically once drivers take to the road. Almost five million motorists say they notice their manners deteriorate when driving under pressure, particularly when running late.

The research shows that around 10 million drivers admit to unintentionally following other vehicles too closely, while 2.4 million acknowledge that they deliberately close the gap to encourage slower drivers to move faster.

Time pressure appears to be the biggest factor behind lapses in driving etiquette. More than a quarter of drivers (27%) cited running late as the main trigger for poor behaviour, followed by tiredness (20%) and peak commuting periods (16%).

The data forms part of National Highways’ latest campaign aimed at improving driving behaviour on England’s motorways and major A-roads. As part of the initiative, the organisation has developed a regional “manners map” ranking driving etiquette across the country.

The South West recorded the highest overall score for considerate driving, closely followed by the North West. At the other end of the scale, London and the South East were rated lowest for road manners. The Midlands and East of England also fell below the national average, indicating that tailgating is not confined to one region but is a widespread issue.

The safety implications are significant. Official casualty figures show that following too closely contributes to approximately 8% of people killed or seriously injured each year on England’s motorways and major A-roads. That equates to an average of around 147 people annually, based on data from 2016 to 2023, excluding the pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021.

Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said the behaviour can have serious consequences.

“Tailgating may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk. 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. A good rule of thumb is the two second rule, which should be doubled in wet conditions or when visibility is reduced.”

Nationally, one in ten drivers describe their own road etiquette as poor — a statistic that reinforces the need for cultural change.

Dr Neale Kinnear, a behavioural psychologist specialising in driver behaviour, said the pressures of driving can distort judgement.

“Most of us see ourselves as considerate people, but 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.”

He added that maintaining distance is not simply about politeness, but practical road management.

“Leaving space isn’t just polite, it’s practical. A simple two-second gap keeps traffic flowing more smoothly, reduces stress, and makes the road a better place for everyone.”

National Highways hopes the campaign will encourage motorists to reconsider everyday behaviours that may feel minor in the moment but collectively contribute to significant safety risks.