Six out of 10 drivers admit “tailgating” the car in front and more than half break the speed limit by 10mph on motorways and dual carriageways.

Those were two of the findings of the latest survey from Huddersfield-based road safety charity Brake and insurance firm Direct Line.

Brake is warning motorists that driving too close leaves them little time to react in an emergency.

Crashes on 70mph roads are more than twice as likely to result in death as crashes on roads with lower speed limits, according to figures.

The survey revealed that almost six in ten (57%) admit leaving less than a two-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front. More men than women admit to doing that.

Brake’s deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: “Almost all drivers are concerned about the danger posed by other people tailgating on motorways, and yet a shockingly high proportion admit driving too close and speeding themselves.

“There are no two ways about it: ignore the two-second rule or the speed limit on motorways and you’re putting yourself and others at risk of a horrific crash.

“Traffic laws are not just for other people. All drivers can help make our motorways safer and prevent needless tragedies by committing to keep your distance and stay under speed limits, including temporary lower limits.”

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