Not keeping an adequate safe distance is one of the elements that are directly related to traffic accidents. The main objective of this research was to identify the aspects that modulate the safe distance-accidents relation. Specifically, the frequency and reasons why drivers do not keep the safe distance, the perception of drivers regarding the probability of penalty, the penalties imposed and their severity, and the drivers' opinion on the effectiveness of such penalties in changing this behavior. A questionnaire was administrated to a sample of 1,100 Spanish drivers having any kind of driving license. The results showed that only the 5,6% of drivers always or sometimes do not keep the safe distance. Among the specific reasons, the traffic conditions and congestions and drivers not realizing they were not keeping a safe distance were the most frequent ones. Likewise, drivers perceived that the probability of being caught (sanctioned) as a consequence of this misbehavior is considerably limited. Moreover, there were no respondents who had received a fine for not keeping a safe distance while driving. The results contrast with previous studies in which it is showed that not keeping a safe distance is a quite frequent behavior, and remark that severa! efforts are needed for strengthening the awareness of people on this matter, with the aim of reducing its related traffic crashes and their high multidimensional burden for societies.