Post date: 17-May-2017 11:40:00

Tailgating is the most annoying driving habit, motorists have told a survey.

A poll of more than 20,000 AA members found that 26% rated vehicles being driven too close to the car in front as being the worst habit. According to road-safety charity Brake, more than 50% of drivers admit to tailgating at some point. This prevalence of inconsiderate driving can’t be good for motorists’ morale. But tailgating is not only annoying, it can be highly dangerous too.

How to deal with aggressive tailgaters

This one’s simple: as soon as you can, and it’s safe to do so, let them pass. That’s it.

Not everyone will agree, and aggressive tailgaters clearly press a lot of motorists’ buttons. It can be tempting to hold them up, wind them up, think up tricks that will make them mad. But it’s just not worth it. No-one benefits and there’s nothing to be gained by doing so.

How to deal with passive tailgaters

Dealing with passive tailgaters requires a bit more thought.

"Always leave plenty of space in front," says Rodger.

As much as it may be tempting to try and put some space between you and the car behind, you don’t want to create the same situation for the car in front.

If the car in front were then to suddenly brake you’ll end up the unwitting filling in a sandwich. "Avoid braking sharply. Flashing your brake lights isn’t going to help. It’s better to just ease off your accelerator."

A quarter of those surveyed said talking on a mobile phone while driving was the most annoying habit, followed by middle lane hogging (23%).

Slow driving, cutting in at the last minute, overtaking on the inside and speeding were not as unpopular, the survey found. AA roads policy spokesman Jack Cousens said: "Tailgating and hogging the middle lane is not only annoying but dangerous.

"Unfortunately, the number of specialist traffic officers has been cut since 2005, which has meant the police powers introduced three-and-a-half years ago have had a limited impact.

"The behaviour of other drivers can affect your own driving, so it is best to stay calm and focus on what you are doing. Getting frustrated with the actions of others could mean you make just as big an error."

In August 2013, police gained the power to fine drivers for things such as tailgating and middle lane hogging.

But since then, just 8,000 tickets have been issued for these types of faults, compared to more than 55,000 to people not wearing a seatbelt.

The AA says a fall in the number of traffic police officers could explain this.

Drivers should stay calm and focus on their own driving - despite the frustrating habits of other drivers.

Source: Sky News and other

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