The Dangers of Tailgating: Understanding the Risks and Consequences

Strategic Insights -

Tailgating is a common mistake made by drivers that can have devastating consequences. According to the Highway Code, drivers should leave at least a two-second gap between their vehicle and the one in front, which may need to be doubled or tripled on wet or icy roads. The risks of tailgating are significant, with the average cost of a car accident in the UK being approximately £415. A car insurance expert from Moneysupermarket explains that accidents can increase a driver's insurance premium by about 9%, which equates to an additional £69 at the time of renewal. Additionally, failing to declare incidents to an insurer can invalidate a policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average cost of a car accident in the UK is approximately £415, which is almost the same as the annual cost of a fully comprehensive car insurance policy, averaging around £459.
  • According to Rule 126 of the Highway Code, drivers should leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front so that they can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops.
  • The safe rule is to never get closer than the overall stopping distance, and the gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased further on icy roads.
  • If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, drivers should allow a four-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.
  • The speed of the vehicle also impacts the stopping distance, with the gap increasing to 2.4 seconds, about 53 metres, when driving at 50mph and 3.1 seconds, or 96 metres, at 70mph.
  • Approximately a quarter of drivers who have an accident do not make a claim to their insurer, which can lead to invalidated policies.
  • According to Moneysupermarket's car insurance expert, choosing the right level of cover for your needs is vital, as an accident can happen anywhere at any time.
  • The average policy cost for fully comprehensive car insurance is £459, and failing to renew a policy without comparing deals can result in missing out on savings up to £270.

Statistics:

  • The average cost of a car accident in the UK is approximately £415.
  • The average annual cost of a fully comprehensive car insurance policy is £459.
  • Accidents can increase a driver's insurance premium by about 9%, equating to an additional £69 at the time of renewal.
  • On wet roads, the gap should be doubled, and on icy roads, the gap should be increased further.
  • If driving a large vehicle in a tunnel, the gap should be a four-second gap between yourself and the vehicle in front.
  • The speed of the vehicle impacts the stopping distance, with the gap increasing to 2.4 seconds, about 53 metres, when driving at 50mph and 3.1 seconds, or 96 metres, at 70mph.
  • Approximately a quarter of drivers who have an accident do not make a claim to their insurer.

Sources:

  • The Highway Code (no date)
  • Moneysupermarket (no date)
  • National Highways (no date)