'Two-second rule' warning for all motorists to avoid £100 fine

Motorists are being warned to follow the 'two-second rule' to avoid the risk of a £100 fine. National Highways, which operates motorways and major A roads in the UK, says the rule is vital to avoid what is "the single biggest issue that drivers find irritating or intimidating".

The organisation admits that some drivers do it without realising. Others might do it when they get cut-up by another driver or when they misjudge the speed of the car in front.

The rule is all to do with tailgating. Driving too close to another vehicle makes it hard to stop in an emergency.

It is a factor in one in eight crashes on major English roads. But National Highways say the two-second rule can help you avoid it.

The Highway Code says you should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster moving traffic”. This is made up of the time needed for thinking and stopping, officials say.

How can I avoid £100 fine for tailgating?

Highways bosses say on their website that it is easy to make use of the ‘two-second rule’ while driving behind another vehicle. Simply pick a static object ahead, such as a bridge, tree or road sign. When the vehicle ahead passes that object, say: "Only a fool breaks the two-second rule."

If you get to that tree or other object before you finish saying the phrase, you are too close.

What's more, if it is raining or icy, drivers need to at least double the gap. Larger vehicles such as HGVs will also need bigger time gaps.

National Highways says: "Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front gives you time to react and stop if you need to. If you don’t leave a minimum two-second gap, you could be putting yourself and others in danger."

What English law says on tailgating

That's right. There are laws against tailgating - and it can lead to fines and other penalties.

Rule 126 of the Highway Code says that: “Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police.”

If you are seen by police driving too close to a vehicle in front of you, they can step in if they think you are driving without due care and attention. If that happens, you could receive a £100 charge and three penalty points on your licence.

What to do if you are being tailgated

Being tailgated by another vehicle can make drivers uncomfortable. It can feel aggressive.

National Highways' advice is: "Just drive normally: don’t let the tailgater's poor behaviour negatively influence your own driving. Simply continue to drive safely and cautiously, aware but not affected by their presence.

"Allow them to overtake: Keep a steady speed so they may overtake. Alternatively, pull to the side of the road, or turn off at a petrol station, but only if it’s safe to do so.

"Clearly signal: Ensure the tailgater has a clear idea of your intentions by signalling early and changing your speed well in advance of a turn-off. Keep left: Keep in the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Some tailgaters argue that ‘middle-lane hoggers’ cause tailgating. Don’t give tailgaters an excuse."

They also say: "Don’t speed up: Generally, this will encourage the tailgater to speed up behind you. Continue to travel at a safe speed. Do not allow the pressure from the tailgater to influence you to drive unsafely.

"Don’t slow down: Intentionally slowing down to irritate the close follower or tapping the brake lights can trigger road rage and cause more dangerous scenarios to arise.

"Don’t stare in the rear-view mirror: It can be tempting to stare at the driver behind but this can cause you to lose focus on what’s in front of you."