A new study by National Tyres and Autocare has revealed that over 1 in 5 drivers choose to flash their headlights to say thanks to other motorists but are in fact breaking the Highway Code by doing so.
National Tyres and Autocare have surveyed 1,000 of their customers to find out what they appreciate most when on the road.
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Ranking at the top of the table, drivers still prefer to simply wave (30%) to say thanks to others on the road but also high up on the list, in second place, are drivers opting to flash their lights to say thanks (21.2%).
Flashing hazard lights is definitely becoming more popular, coming in third place on the study's leaderboard, with almost one in five drivers saying they prefer this gesture over a wave (17.5%).
However, according to Rule 110 of the Highway Code, “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there… Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users” and if caught, drivers can be fined up to £1,000.
The study also found that the 'one thing that drivers appreciate the most' is when the car following them keeps a safe distance behind. Tailgating is one of drivers' pet hates when on the road, so it’s no shock that one in five drivers have named it top of their ‘most appreciated’ list.
Michael Bourne, Group Marketing & eCommerce Director at National Tyres states that “Tailgating relates to the act of driving too close to the vehicle in front. This is seriously dangerous, as doing so doesn’t provide the following vehicle enough time to react to the one ahead. "
Aside from the safety aspects, drivers can also be penalised for tailgating. Police can issue on-the-spot fixed penalties of £100 and potentially three points for inconsistent lane use. That can increase to £2,500 if a driver is charged for careless driving or driving without care and attention.
