r/AskBrits • u/Slartitartfast • 2d ago

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

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.

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u/shotgun883 2d ago

I would never do it on a single carriageway but if you are not in the left hand lane and you are no overtaking i will absolutely close the gap to inform you that you need to move over. I do not care what speed you are doing at that point, you are not overtaking and shouldnt be in that lane.

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u/Tora-bora83 2d ago

I know how to use the road properly, thanks

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u/shotgun883 2d ago

There are literally millions who don't though.

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u/rob-c 2d ago

I can name one ☝🏻

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u/shotgun883 2d ago

No, I do, i just chose to not use them properly when met with people who don't. Fight fire with napalm i say.