Highways England decided to release this dramatic footage as a reminder of just how quickly a chain reaction effect can occur in high speed situations.
The startling clip shows a succession of cars braking sharply before one is struck by an HGV – as an unrelated incident unfolds up ahead of the travelling traffic:
The incident highlights the messages of Highways England's ‘Don’t be a Space Invader’ campaign – with its strapline ‘stay safe, stay back’.
A study it conducted in 2018 suggested that more than 100 people are killed or seriously injured every year in accidents caused by tailgating motorists.
The campaign has won the support of several high-profile advocates including Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell and former Top Gear star Ben ‘The Stig’ Collins.
The agency cites Highway Code advice which says that drivers should allow at least a two-second gap, which should be doubled on wet roads.
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What to do if you're tailgated
Avoid speeding up, slowing down or staring in the rear-view mirror. Reduce the risk to yourself by driving normally, signalling clearly and allowing people to overtake.
Highways England head of road safety Richard Leonard said: “This footage is a startling reminder about the dangers of driving too closely to the vehicle in front.
“It clearly shows that if you get too close to the car in front, you won't be able to react and stop in time if they suddenly brake.
“We also know that tailgating makes the driver in front feel targeted and victimised, distracting their attention from the road ahead and making them more likely to make a mistake.
“It is intimidating and frightening if you're on the receiving end. If that leads to a collision, then people in both vehicles could end up seriously injured or killed. We want everyone to get home safe and well."
- Tailgating – what you need to know
- Drivers face new fines for getting too close to cyclists
- Five motoring facts you won't believe
Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
Did you know, you can get fined for moving out of the way of an ambulance?
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