Increasing numbers of drivers risking the lives of themselves and others, by driving too close to the vehicle in front, on motorways

More than half of drivers (53%) are risking pile-ups on motorways by driving too close to the vehicle in front, according to research by Brake and Direct Line. More drivers are taking this deadly risk compared to seven years ago, and a horrifying three in ten male drivers (30%) do so at least weekly.

Brake warns that most drivers’ failure to keep a safe distance adds to the case against raising the motorway speed limit, currently being considered by government. At 80mph, stopping distances are 27% greater than at 70mph (122m on average compared to 96m at 70mph)1, meaning drivers must leave an even greater gap behind the vehicle in front, and have far less chance to stop in an emergency.

Alongside bereaved mum Liz Voysey (see her story below), Brake is calling on the government to scrap plans for 80mph limits, which is predicted to lead to 25 more deaths and 100 serious injuries every year ; increase carbon emissions and costs to drivers3.

Brake and Direct Line’s survey of 942 drivers found that:

• More than half (53%) admit breaking the two-second rule on motorways, compared to 49% in a similar Brake survey in 2004.
• Men are far more likely to risk lives by driving too close than women: 61% of male drivers admit breaking the two-second rule on motorways, compared to 46% of women, while twice as many men (30%) admit doing this weekly or more compared to women (15%).
• Young drivers are slightly more likely to break the two second rule (56% compared to 53%), and are likely to do this more frequently. 30% of young drivers admitted to tailgating on motorways weekly or more, compared to 21% of older drivers.

In Great Britain in 2010, 263 people were killed and 1,445 seriously injured in road crashes on motorways and 70mph roads (most recent figures available)4.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: “Drivers who don’t keep their distance increase the risk of pile-ups, which can and do result in multiple and violent deaths and injuries, and devastation for the families involved. We urge all drivers to realise the vital importance of the two second rule, and make a personal commitment to always stick to it. We also appeal to the government to ditch proposals to raise the motorway limit – the fact that most drivers aren’t keeping their distance only adds to the case against this inhumane policy. Various researchers have predicted that an 80mph limit will mean more lives cut short and more horrific injuries. At the same time, the government’s argument in favour of raising the limit simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”

Andy Goldby, Director of Motor Underwriting and Pricing for Direct Line Car Insurance, said: “Driving too close to the car in front of you is asking for trouble. Doing it at speed and you’re risking not only your own life but other road users’ lives too. Whilst the UK’s motorways have proportionately less accidents than other roads, speed is still the biggest killer of road users. We believe it is better to save lives than to save a few minutes of journey time.

1See, the science of stopping distances, Brake, 2010
2Read research by Professor Rune Elvik in the Guardian, 25 December 2011
3See, Motorway speed increase would increase casualties and carbon emissions, 14 March 2011
4Reported road casualties 2010 annual reports, Department for Transport, 2011

Driving too close to the vehicle in front is incredibly dangerous, particularly at high speeds. The two-second gap drivers should leave on motorways gives them time to brake in an emergency. The faster the speeds, the greater the distance needs to be to prevent multiple-vehicle pile-ups that cause carnage.

Brake is urging all drivers to pledge to always keep a two-second gap behind the vehicle in front, and double it to four seconds in wet weather, and never break speed limits, to help prevent horrific tragedies on motorways and major trunk roads. Road users can sign the Brake’s Pledge on safe driving on Facebook.

Anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a crash can call the Brake helpline for support on 0845 603 8570.

Recommendations to government

Brake is calling on the government to prevent needless casualties on motorways by:

• scrapping plans to increase the speed limit to 80mph on motorways and some dual carriageways
• improving enforcement of the current 70mph limit by creating a comprehensive network of average speed cameras and making traffic policing a national policing priority
• conducting nationwide campaigns encouraging the public to keep two-seconds behind the vehicle in front, or more in bad weather, and stay within motorway speed limits

Notes to editors

Brake and Direct Line conducted a survey of 942 drivers and riders. The survey was carried out by Brake volunteers, at locations across the UK. Every effort was made to ensure a wide variety of people responded. Repeating some questions from a 2004 survey by Brake and Green Flag has enabled some analysis of changing driver attitudes and behaviour. Brake thanks all volunteers who helped conduct the survey and collate the results.

For other survey results published by Brake and Direct Line in their series of reports on safe driving, see www.driverpoll.com.

Brake

Brake is an independent road safety charity. Brake exists to stop the five deaths and 65 serious injuries that happen on UK roads every day and to care for families bereaved and seriously injured in road crashes. Brake runs awareness-raising campaigns, community education programmes, events such as Road Safety Week (19-25 November 2012), and a Fleet Safety Forum, providing advice to companies. Brake’s support division cares for road crash victims through a helpline and other services.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the number one car and home insurer in the UK (based on policies in force 2010) and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting 

Direct Line insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.