According to new research, an estimated 4.9 million drivers said their behaviour gets worse when they are under pressure – especially if they are running late.

Around 10 million admitted they sometimes follow the car in front too closely without meaning to, while 2.4 million confessed to deliberately closing the gap to push slower drivers to speed up.

Running late was named as the biggest trigger for poor driving etiquette, with 27 per cent blaming time pressure. Tiredness followed at 20 per cent, while 16 per cent pointed to peak-time commuting.

National Highways said tailgating is not just rude, it can be deadly. Official data showed “following too closely” is a contributory factor in around eight per cent of people killed or seriously injured on England’s motorways and major A-roads each year.

This equated to an average of 147 serious or fatal casualties annually, based on figures from 2016 to 2023, excluding the pandemic years.

To shine a light on the issue, the agency has created a new “manners map” ranking regions by driving etiquette. The South West topped the table, with 46 per cent of drivers rating local road manners as good. The North West followed close behind.

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At the bottom were London and the South East, where 41 per cent of drivers admitted to tailgating. The region also recorded 222 serious or fatal incidents in which following too closely was a factor.

The Midlands and the East of England also scored below the national average, suggesting the problem was widespread across the country.

Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said tailgating can have serious consequences. “Tailgating may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk,” he said.

He shared: “Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.

“Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel. A good rule of thumb is the two-second rule, which should be doubled in wet conditions or when visibility is reduced.”

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Under the Highway Code, drivers must leave at least a two-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front on faster roads, and at least four seconds in wet conditions.

Rule 126 of the Code states: “You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.

“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 10 times greater on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.”

Tailgating is also against the law, with drivers facing a £100 fixed penalty notice and three penalty points on their licence, with more serious cases potentially ending up in court.

Dr Neale Kinnear, a behavioural psychologist who specialises in driving behaviour, said many motorists do not realise how little time they actually save by driving aggressively. “Most of us see ourselves as considerate people, but driving is a unique context,” he said.

He added: “It’s goal-focused and often time-pressured. When we’re running late or behind other traffic, frustration can build. In that moment, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress.

“The reality is different. Drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on. Leaving space isn’t just polite, it’s practical. A simple two-second gap keeps traffic flowing more smoothly, reduces stress, and makes the road a better place for everyone.”