Educating drivers on rear-end collisions

The Association of British Drivers (ABD) said that more people needed to observe the old "two-second rule" and adopt defensive driving techniques when approaching a queue of vehicles.

A recent survey revealed that tailgating contributed to one third of motorway accidents involving injury, and that on average around 40% of motorists drive too close to the car in front. The ABD said that being struck from behind was one of the most common types of vehicle collision on UK roads.

It called on the Government to bring back its 'Only A Fool Breaks The Two Second Rule' campaign - where drivers count two seconds after the vehicle in front passes a fixed point such as a lamppost.

If motorists pass the point sooner than two seconds later they are too close, with twice as much time being allowed in wet conditions.

Better education

ABD road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie, explained: "This is the simplest and most effective way of educating drivers to maintain a generally safe following distance. Last used in the nineties, it requires no painting of the carriageway or expensive, and often flawed, technology."

He added it was also vital for drivers to learn ways in which to avoid being "rear-ended" by another vehicle, and that the Government should launch a further education campaign to ensure that this happened.

For example, when arriving at the back of any traffic queue or roadworks, particularly in unexpected places, drivers should try and warn following drivers by slowing down early. Hazard lights may be used as an additional warning, but only on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, according to the Highway Code.

If the queue is on a blind bend or humped road, drivers should consider "hanging back" with brake lights on and positioned so they are clearly visible, moving up to the queue only when it is safe to do so.

"When sitting at the back of a queue leave a good gap in front and plan an escape route if you need to get out of the way quickly," added Mr McArthur-Christie. "As soon as you are confident an approaching vehicle is slowing then close up to the car in front."

'Disengage brain'

The ABD said motorists should be particularly wary when first to arrive at a railway crossing or when entering a fast moving road. Also, while the footbrake was useful for illuminating brake lights, the handbrake should always be used when stationary, as a hard rear impact could "dislodge the driver's foot from the pedal".

Motorists should exercise good lane discipline to avoid being tailgated on motorways, moving to the left-hand lane on motorways and dual carriageways when not overtaking.

Mark McArthur-Christie said: "Far too many drivers just sit at the back of queues, put the brakes on and disengage brain. These simple measures can do much to avoid the sometimes disastrous consequences of being rear-ended."

Motorists have been advised to be particularly careful this week on the roads, due to icy conditions. This warning will continue to apply later in the week also, when heavy snow and blizzards have been forecast.

Many parts of the country are expected see snowfall with northern Scotland set to face the first of the wintry conditions. Northern England may be affected later today, while southern regions, particularly Wales and the south west, could experience snow overnight and through Friday.