Tailgating, speeding and middle lane hogging getting worse, say drivers

Tailgating is getting worse according to more than half (55%) of drivers, with incidents of middle lane hogging (52%) also increasing, new research suggests.  

A poll of more than 12,700 drivers, commissioned by AA Accident Assist, also revealed that more than half (53%) of drivers believe speeding (53%) is more of a problem.

Previously, a third of drivers told the AA that they ignore the two-second gap rule when driving.

The findings come as AA Accident Assist reveals that they helped more than 16,000 drivers involved in rear end crashes in 2023, and around 5,600 drivers so far this year.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “Drivers are worried that the standard of driving is slipping.”

The AA is calling for more road traffic officers to improve the standard of driving on UK roads.

More traffic officers, it says, will be able to stop bad driving practices in real time, but having a more visible police presence on the roads will in itself act as a deterrent.

At the moment, some feel they can get away with certain activities such as using a hand-held mobile phone because their chances of being caught are slim, according to the AA.

“As well as making sure we drive responsibly, we also need a more visible police presence to keep those willing to misbehave in check,” continued Rankin.

“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.”