Chevrons may offer tailgating solution

More than 40 per cent of motorists are 'an accident waiting to happen' because they drive too close to the car in front on motorways, according to a group of leading motoring bodies. A recent survey showed that more than 70 per cent of drivers were travelling too close to the vehicle in front when clusters of vehicles were measured.

The figures come from a nationwide survey of 15,000 vehicles conducted by the National Motorway Month Group - a joint initiative by the RAC Foundation and Auto Express Magazine, with support from BSM, Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Highways Agency.

Recent research by the Highways Agency suggests that close following is a contributory factor in more than one third of all personal injury accidents on the motorway network. Tailgating is also a major cause of road rage on motorways.

The survey results have prompted the group to call for drivers to obey the 'two second rule' when driving - and also for further research to be carried out into the 'chevron' system of roadmarkings, which appears to be contributing to lessening tailgating in some areas.

At a stretch of motorway before the chevrons, tailgating was at around 60 per cent. However, in the middle of the chevron patch tailgating appeared to drop off significantly. While it did pick up again after the chevron stretch it was not to the extent that it was at beforehand - suggesting chevrons could have a role to play in changing driver behaviour.

A previous study by the Transport Research Laboratory has shown accident reduction of 56 per cent at chevrons sites, compared to the same stretch of road before the chevrons were installed.

At present there are only six sites on UK motorways with chevrons. The National Motorway Month Group is calling for further research into their effectiveness to see whether they should be used more widely.

For further information on the campaign contact Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation on 020 7747 3485, or 07850 786960.