National Highways is calling on lane hoggers and tailgaters to change their driving style as it warns of the dangers to safety.

The campaign urges drivers to carefully consider their driving habits – as little changes can change everything

One in three drivers admitted to middle lane hogging while one in four said they’re guilty of tailgating on some of the nation’s fastest roads, according to a new survey.

The survey findings also show lane hogging was among the most likely behaviours to cause motorists and riders to feel frustrated, while tailgating was among the most likely to make them feel anxious, stressed or unsafe.

The campaign urges drivers to carefully consider their driving habits – as little changes can change everything.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of people said that if they personally were to drive too close to the vehicle in front, this would be likely to cause an accident. Around the same proportion (75%) said that if other drivers drive too close to their car, this would be likely to cause an accident.

The campaign is supported by footage showing the dangers of tailgating. Lincolnshire Police has released this video showing tailgating on a major A-road, while Warwickshire Police were sent this dashcam footage of a tailgating lorry on the M42 as part of Operation Snap.

Lane hogging and tailgating both fall under the offence of careless driving, with police officers having the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points, meaning failing to keep left on the motorway and close following could hit people in the pocket.

The new campaign – carrying the slogan ‘little changes, change everything’ – will feature on radio and television adverts, podcasts, roadside billboards, posters at motorway service stations, retails parks and petrol stations, and on social media.

National Highways director of road safety Sheena Hague said: “The message is simple – always allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, and unless overtaking move into the left-hand lane.”

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Considerate driving is not just about being kind, but it is about keeping safe. The top five types of drivers loathed by AA members are the tailgaters, the lane hoggers, the phone abusers, the lane swoopers and the undertakers.

“All these activities are dangerous and indeed stressful for the perpetrators as well as other drivers. Sadly, some people seem to change personalities when cocooned in their metal boxes on wheels. We support National Highways’ campaign as we want to see drivers drive with a smile on their face rather than a frown.”

And the RAC warned of the dangers of middle lane hogging and tailgating.

Road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Simply put, middle lane hogging and tailgating are far more than mere annoyances for drivers – these actions put everyone on the roads at risk. Closely following another motorist, for instance, could easily result in a serious collision should the driver ahead need to brake sharply for any reason. The fact nearly one in four drivers surveyed admit to doing so on some of England’s fastest and busiest roads is frightening.

“Some offenders might find these habits hard to kick, which is why this campaign is so important. By understanding how we choose to drive affects others, we can each make a real difference to the safety of our roads.”

Find out more about the campaign here.

Tailgating and middle lane hoggers are ‘scourge’ on UK’s highways.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, praised the campaign, saying those who tailgate or hog lanes are a ‘scourge’ on the UK’s highways.

He commented: “Not only are these poor driving habits incredibly frustrating and dangerous for other motorists, but both middle lane hogging and tailgating are illegal practices that may result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

“As the Highway Code states, you should always keep in the left-most lane on the motorway unless overtaking. Some motorists who sit in the middle lane might take the view that they’re somehow ‘safer’ there than they are in the left-most lane, where they’ll encounter other vehicles trying to join the motorway.

“But doing so significantly reduces the capacity of the highway while also increasing the risk of other dangerous behaviours, like undertaking.

“And if you hog the middle lane because you’re perhaps nervous about being on the motorway in the first place, then further driving training is an absolute must.”

Conway also referred to Department for Transport stats that suggest tailgating is a factor in around one in eight reported accidents on England’s motorways and major A-roads.

“Following too close to the vehicle in front isn’t just dangerous, it’s also one of the biggest triggers for stress, anxiety and road rage.

“At Select, we ran a survey a few years back which actually found that tailgating was THE number one source of ‘fear’ for UK motorists. It’s a huge issue.

“And if you’re a self-confessed tailgater – either deliberately or through absent-mindedness – back off and stop endangering the lives of other road users.”