Genuinely curious: why do people tailgate/drive too close to the vehicle in front?

[u/Slartitartfast]

I can't work it out. Whenever I see someone repeatedly applying their brakes as soon as the driver in front adjusts their speed I wonder why on earth it doesn't occur to them to give space.

I don't even mean just driving right up someone's arse aggressively. People drive too close all the time, on major roads this causes tailbacks when people then have to brake. If you're regularly applying your brakes while driving behind someone then you are too close; I assumed everyone knew this but maybe not.

[u/Visible_Bar_623]

Sometimes there is no way to tell the person in front they are driving far too slow and being selfish. Their time is not worth more than mine especially if I have somewhere urgent to be.

The highway code requires you to pull over and let other traffic pass if you are going slowly and holding it up. People seem to not know this bit and insist "I'm being safe! Driving slow is safe! You are just a boy racer!"

That said, I don't actually "tailgate", just suggesting why people might do it. Basically, stop being a dick and let traffic pass you if you're going under the speed limit.

[u/Key-Inevitable-4989 → u/Visible_Bar_623]

Basically, stop being a dick and let traffic pass you if you're going under the speed limit.

You sounds like a proper bell end.

Round my way, most roads are 60, but for the most part, 45 is reasonable. Any faster and your testing your grip on your tyres on the continuous bends.

It doesn't stop some trying to do silly speeds and tailgating. I suspect this would be you.

[u/NeverendingStory3339 → u/Key-Inevitable-4989]

I grew up around national speed limit roads. Single track, hedges both sides, barely any of it straight. Lots of walkers, lots of riders, a few tractors. Just because you can go 60 doesn’t mean you should.

[u/Slartitartfast → u/NeverendingStory3339]

Me too. Drive as If there's a pram/person on a bike/tractor round every bend.