CRASHES caused by drivers sitting on the bumpers of those in front of them have almost halved in just five years, according to a study of the latest data.
Department for Transport figures show that reported “tailgating” accidents – where following too closely behind a vehicle ahead was a factor – have fallen by 48 per cent.
Such smashes dropped from 7023 in 2015 to just 3582 in 2019. It is one of the largest percentage drops of all the contributory causes of accidents caused by a driver’s bad judgment.
Dan Jones, of driver training specialist TrackDays, which analysed the data, said: “It’s very welcome to see such a dramatic drop in the number of reported accidents when following too close was a contributory factor.
“It could be due to a number of factors, perhaps most importantly through advanced safety features on modern cars, such as adaptive cruise control, which help keep a safe distance from the car in front.
“But it would also be nice to think that drivers are now calmer and more considerate to their fellow road users.”
Meanwhile, the number of reported accidents when travelling too fast for the conditions was a contributory factor is also apparently on a long-term decline, showing a significant decrease of 36 per cent from 7361 in 2015 to 4666 in 2019.
Additionally, there were also fewer reported accidents when disobeying automatic traffic signals, Give Way or Stop signs and markings was a contributory factor.
Mr Jones added: “Brits do appear to be becoming safer motorists in certain areas of driving, which has to be good news for all road users.”
