How can I keep a safe distance from the car in front?

Tailgating is where the gap between you and the vehicle in front is too small for you to be able to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. It makes other drivers feel intimidated, scared and bullied. While it may not be intentional by the driver behind, to those in the car in front it feels aggressive and personal.

Check the guidance from National Highways on how to avoid being a “space invader”.

The Highway Code states that you should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads and in tunnels where visibility is reduced. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads.”