WATCH: Moment HGV drives dangerously close to driver on M5 as warning issued to drivers following 106 incidents recorded in Midlands last year
Dashcam footage has captured the moment a HGV driver was dangerously close to another vehicle on the M5 in the West Midlands as safety warning issued.
The clip, released by National Highways, shows a heavy goods vehicle dangerously close to the car in front while travelling on the motorway, which runs south-west from the M6 near Birmingham to Exeter, passing through Sandwell Valley and forming part of the Birmingham Motorway Box.
The Highway Code advises leaving at least a two-second gap on faster-moving roads, giving drivers time to react and stop safely.
Tailgating is also an offence. Police can take action if a driver is following too closely, which can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
The behaviour contributed to 106 serious incidents on the region’s motorways and major A-roads last year.
But according to the latest research, the West Midlands are among the worst in England for road manners, with 36% admitting to tailgating.
National Highways warns that poor driving etiquette often worsens when drivers are running late, tired, or commuting at peak times. Nearly 5 million drivers across the UK say their manners slip behind the wheel, while 2.4 million admit to deliberately tailgating slower vehicles.
On National Highways’ new “manners map,” the Midlands ranks fourth out of six English regions, with just 37% of drivers rating local road etiquette as good. Officials are urging motorists to leave space and drive considerately to reduce risks.
Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said: “While the regional picture varies it’s clear that tailgating remains a real concern. It may seem harmless, but it can put everyone on the road at risk. Following too closely means there is less time to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops.
“Leaving a safe gap makes driving safer, keeps traffic moving more smoothly, and is a simple courtesy that helps everyone feel more relaxed behind the wheel. A good rule of thumb is the two second rule, which should be doubled in wet conditions or when visibility is reduced.”
Nationally, tailgating contributes to around 8% of people killed or seriously injured each year on motorways and major A-roads, based on long term Department for Transport data.
Dr Neale Kinnear, a behavioural psychologist specialising in driving behaviours, said: “Most of us see ourselves as considerate people, but driving is a unique context. It’s goal focused and often time pressured. When we’re running late or behind other traffic, frustration can build. In that moment, closing the gap can feel like taking control or making progress.
“The reality is different. Drivers tend to overestimate how much time, if any, they save by pushing on. As frustration rises, perspective on the importance of keeping a safe margin, and the impact it has on others can be lost.”
