Motorists who adhere to speed limits are often doing so due to being bullied by aggressive drivers trying to force them to speed up.
A new study found that drivers will tailgate in an attempt to force the other motorists to go faster.
Research into driver behaviour carried out by TRL -Transport Research Laboratory and Direct Line insurance showed a fourfold increase in tailgating incidents when motorists were driving at the maximum legal limit.
The observational study monitored the response of other drivers to motorists driving to the letter of the law.
The study found that other road users tailgated 93% of motorists when driving in accordance to the Highway Code.
It was also revealed that 40% of drivers following the Highway Code were either over or undertaken by other motorists.These drivers showed raised heart rates when tailgated, suggesting that many drivers become emotionally upset and stressed as a result.
Dr Nick Reed, Senior human factors researcher, TRL stated "Causes for tailgating may be ascribed to a number of factors, from drivers being unaware of their own unsafe driving behaviour, to frustration with the lead vehicle for driving at the national speed limit and is therefore an attempt to speed them up"
"It's also possible that an encouraging factor could be the current two-second rule, as many drivers may find other cars pulling in between them and the car in front when leaving a two second gap."
"This in turn discouraged drivers to keep their distance and may cause frustration."
The study also recored six instances of direct conflict with other road users during the 15 hours of monitored drivers whilst following the Highway Code.
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