Friday, July 13, 2007


Jul. 13, 2007 (M2 Communications Ltd. delivered by Newstex) --

The Highways Agency has launched a new DVD to encourage drivers to leave a safe distance between vehicles.

'Don't Be A Fool', presented by BBC Newsreader Sophie Raworth, educates drivers about the dangers of being too close to the vehicle in front.

Following too close is a factor in one third of road accidents, according to the Highways Agency. Drivers are encouraged to use the 'Two Second Rule' to measure the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.

To check your distance, choose a point in front of you, such as a bridge or a road sign, and when the vehicle in front passes it, start to repeat at the sentence 'Only a fool breaks the two second rule' or count out loud 'One second, two seconds'. If you're at the correct distance, you're vehicle should pass the landmark only after you've finished speaking.

During the making of the DVD, Sophie Raworth went out with Highways Agency traffic officers in Yorkshire to see for herself the dangerous driver behaviour that causes a third of all accidents on roads.

Stuart Lovatt, safety action plan co-ordinator at the Highways Agency, said:

'Being too close to the vehicle in front is a major factor in approximately a third of all accidents on our roads. These are accidents that could be avoided by leaving a safe gap between you and the vehicle in-front.

'Whilst we have one of the safest road networks in Europe, more can be done to prevent incidents and drivers have their part to play. Our advice is simple. Don't be a fool. Follow the two second rule.'

The new DVD is backed by the AA and the RAC and was produced by the Highways Agency as part of its commitment to improving road safety and journey reliability because of the high number of accidents where following too close was a factor.

Andrew Howard, head of roads and transport policy for the AA, said:

'Drivers have two completely different views on tailgating: one through their rear window and the other through the windscreen. 62 per cent of drivers claim to have been 'aggressively tailgated'; but only six per cent say they have tailgated someone else.

'The reality is that everyone has to accept that, unless they are at least two seconds away from the car in front, the only thing they're not following too closely is the Highway Code.'

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, commented;

'Almost half of all motorists say that tailgaters are their biggest motorway fear. Motorists are right to fear tailgaters, who are putting their own lives and those of others on the line by driving too close.

'As well as being a large factor in fatal and serious accidents, tailgating is the biggest contributor to the build up of 'phantom' traffic jams which result in delay and many less serious collisions.

'All drivers need to be more considerate in their motorway driving style. Too many drivers have forgotten the 'two second rule' which helps keep them a safe distance from the vehicle in front.'

Notes to editors

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. 'Don't be a Fool' will be part of a new road safety DVD from the Highways Agency. Copies will be available to Police Forces, Fire and Rescue Services, Local Safety Partnerships and other bodies involved in road safety education.

3. The short film can viewed on the internet on the Public TV website - at  http://www.public.tv/HighwaysAgency

4. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available:

* From the web at  http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo

* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.

5. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website  http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)

(Comments on this story may be sent to  tww.feedback@m2.com)


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