Drivers warned over £100 fine AND penalty points for breaking little-known ‘two-second’ rule
CHEEKY motorists have been given a strict warning over an illegal driving move that could land you a £100 fine and penalty points.
The little-known “two-second” rule is a crucial piece of The Highway Code all drivers should stick to but for some the urge to be careless or to intimidate and annoy the person in front of you can quickly take over.
Known commonly as tailgating, the two-second rule applies to the distance you must ensure your own car is behind the one in front of you.
Many agitated motorists often drive up close to the back of another car in order to make a point that they may be driving too slow or that they should move out of the way entirely.
However, what many drivers don’t know is that by tailgating another car you are in breach of the two-second rule and could be punished.
The main concern is over the two cars colliding if there isn’t a sufficient gap for the car behind to break in if needed.
But, even if there isn’t a car accident, tailgating can cause unforeseen damage to a car and also puts others at risk due to the reckless driving.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said: “When you get too close to the car in front, you’re not just driving dangerously, you’re also scuppering your view of the road ahead.
“Your vision will be dominated by the rear end of the vehicle you’re tailgating, and you’ll have little to no visibility of the actual Tarmac in front of you.
“On the other hand, drivers who leave a good, healthy gap between themselves and the car in front will have a more extensive view of potential obstacles and are better equipped to take evasive action.”
National Highways warns that tailgating causes up to one in eight deaths on England‘s motorways and major A roads.
The actual offence around the law sits under the “driving without due care and attention” category.
It can come with at least a £100 fine and penalty points ranging from between three to nine points.
The most serious cases, such as causing a fatal collision, can lead to much larger fines and court appearances.
Drivers were also warned recently over a popular speed limit myth that could see them slapped with a hefty fine.
For years, motorists believed that they could go ten per cent over the speed limit and get away with it despite it being dangerous.
The warning has seen authorities give out a very simple solution to the issue that you shouldn’t ever be breaking the limit.
If you’re caught speeding, you can be fined £100 and get three penalty points.
It is also possible that you could be prosecuted for exceeding the limit by just 1mph.