Drivers who risk causing a car accident by tailgating already face losing their right to a cheap car insurance deal, but many motorists would also like to see them given penalty points, according to a recent poll.
The survey, conducted by GEM Motoring Assist, discovered that a whopping 83% of drivers felt that tailgating should be an endorsable offence, meaning that offenders would be fined and be given points, which will see their motor insurance premium rise as a result.
The Highway Code stipulates that at least a two-second gap should be kept between cars at all times. Every day on the roads, however, thousands of motorists flout this directive and risk causing an accident by driving too close to the car in front.
The chief executive of the firm that carried out the survey commented, "Currently a driver who indulges in the risky and very dangerous business of sitting too close to the car in front has to have the offence of driving without due care and attention proved against him.
"We don't think that is good enough and the public clearly agree."
Mike Page from Hoot Car Insurance Services, the expert providers of young driver car insurance, was of the same mind as GEM's boss, remarking, "If you tailgate you're risking not only your own safety, but the safety of the person in front.
"I think that giving drivers points and jeopardising their right to a cheap car insurance deal could go someway towards stopping this dangerous practice."