June 24, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
VANCOUVER, B.C. – A new ICBC survey conducted by Ipsos reveals a striking contradiction in the driving habits of British Columbians, a significant majority admit to tailgating, yet they despise being tailgated themselves. This “do as I say, not as I drive” mentality highlights a common impatience on BC roads.
According to the survey, 77% of BC drivers confess to occasionally tailgating or following too closely behind another vehicle. However, when the tables are turned, a resounding 86% report feeling frustrated, scared, angry, or even intimidated when someone tailgates them.
When asked why they engage in tailgating, drivers often cited frustration with other motorists. Half (50%) said they do it because the driver ahead is traveling below the speed limit or simply going too slow. Another 30% blamed slower drivers occupying the fast lane. Furthermore, 17% admitted to tailgating to prevent others from cutting in front of them, while 16% simply stated they were in a rush.
The survey also pinpointed the most common locations for tailgating. A staggering 84% of drivers reported experiencing it at least occasionally on city streets, with 82% noting its occurrence on highways. Even in fast or HOV lanes, where higher speeds are expected, three out of four drivers (75%) encounter tailgating. Surprisingly, 73% said they are tailgated in construction zones, and 69% reported it happening in playground and school zones—areas where extra caution and reduced speeds are paramount.
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