National Highways’ has launched two summer campaigns aiming to make the UK’s roads safer. A ‘Too Close for Comfort’ campaign, which tackles the issue of close following (tailgating) and a summer version of its TRIP campaign, which encourages drivers to plan journeys, take breaks and carry out vehicle checks.
Too Close For Comfort
National Highways wants to encourage all drivers to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, focusing on how tailgating makes other road users feel. The campaign draws on clear parallels between the discomfort of being closely followed in everyday life and the anxiety experienced when tailgated on the road. The goal is to highlight tailgating as socially unacceptable, not just unsafe.
Close following is a persistent and significant issue on the road network. It accounted for an average of 147 KSIs (Killed or Seriously Injured) yearly between 2016 and 2023. Many drivers tailgate unintentionally, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education.
Summer T.R.I.P.
In summer, fatigue is a factor in 9.1 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads – up from 6.4% on average across the other seasons. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of safe summer driving, yet almost 3 in 10 (29%) of drivers don’t consider the need for rest stops when planning their journeys. The summer T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to plan ahead before setting off on long journeys, ensure they are well rested before they leave, and take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours to reduce fatigue.
More information on the National Highways website:
