The AA Populus poll of 17,629 motorists has found that a fifth of respondents are more likely to give way for drivers of classic and revered models, whilst one in five also admit that they are less like to give way to a 4×4 or expensive luxury car. The poll also found that younger drivers are more likely to tailgate smaller cars.

Motorists are also more considerate depending on the demographics of the driver too. Almost half of drivers (47%) say they would leave more space in front if following a car being driven by someone elderly. Worryingly, 19% say they get impatient when following learner drivers and perhaps surprising the group most likely to get impatient are the third of young drivers. 

Edmund King, AA president, said: ‘There are lots of urban myths about car hierarchies that we wanted to test. The research shows that some drivers are more considerate to others depending on the type of car or type of driver.

‘Although reassuring that almost half of drivers would not tailgate elderly drivers, it does beg the question as to why tailgate any driver? Driving too close to the car in front is the biggest danger on our motorways no matter what the age of the driver or indeed type of car.

‘Our advice is to forget the age of driver or type of car and remember we are all humans who should be treated with respect rather than rage on the roads.’

The poll also found that younger drivers are more likely to tailgate smaller cars.