A new trend has seen motorists tailgating in a bid to save petrol, but an expert has warned the hack is “extremely risky” – and could have deadly consequences
With sky high fuel prices, it’s understandable why many Brits think twice about topping up their tanks.
While there’s a certain satisfaction in having a full tank of petrol, the hefty price tag attached often results in a major dent in our bank balances. This is why it’s no surprise that some people are searching for tricks and tips to save on fuel.
One such method gaining attention is a controversial TikTok trend advising drivers to tailgate – effectively driving close behind another vehicle – as a supposed fuel-saving tactic. However, motorhome expert Nick Roach, from JustGo, has deemed the trend “extremely risky”.
He went on to highlight that there are far safer and effective ways to conserve fuel than this hazardous way, which can lead to serious accidents and, in extreme cases, even loss of life.
Nick further elaborated on why tailgating should never be encouraged, and must be avoided at all costs. Despite its online viral status, people are strongly advised to steer clear of trying it out.
While this technique may be used in motorsports, experts have warned that it poses substantial dangers when practised on public roads.
The main reason being, to achieve any significant impact on fuel consumption through tailgating, drivers would need to be staggeringly close to the vehicle ahead – drastically increasing the risk of accidents. Also, tailgating notably decreases reaction times, further adding to its range of potential dangers.
In the event that the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, drivers have less time to brake themselves, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Where large vehicles are involved including lorries, trucks and motorhomes, vision can also be impacted.
Driving closely to other vehicles can also provoke road rage incidents, which is another cause of many road accidents.
Nick said there are much better ways you can try and save on fuel, as there are several strategies that can help drivers to reduce their fuel consumption. One of them includes planning effective routes, and using apps to find less congested areas.
You can also avoid peak traffic times as stop-and-go driving is known to consume more fuel. Smart driving like maintaining a steady speed, avoiding excessive acceleration and using cruise control on the motorway can also help with efficient fuel consumption.
Regular car maintenance with properly inflated tyres, recommended oil and quality air filters is also key. While saving fuel via tailgating might seem appealing, the risks significantly outweigh the benefits.
More than just being ineffective, it’s also very dangerous for everyone on the road. So steer clear!
