Tail gaters how to handle them

bob

slow down, most will take the opportunity to pass! If someone is going to ride my bumper they will do it at a reduced speed! don't speed up, this will give them the idea that they can push you to go faster. most of them don't understand the 2 second rule. http://www.getinlane.com/page92.php
Test your reaction time! http://www.getinlane.com/stopreact.html

Michael S

if people are repeatedly tailgating you, it is probably because you are driving too slowly and are slowing down traffic. if you are driving slower than the speed limit(particularly if you are driving in the fast lane) people will tailgate you every day of the week. by the way, it is not illegal for them to tailgate you(unless they hit your car, of course) so you can't get a plate number and report them. in my opinion, your best options are to either change lanes and just let them pass you or to learn to drive faster so you don't have to worry about being tailgated.

naughtynnice

I just stick to the speed limit, it annoys the crap out of them. If you slam on your brakes they know they're getting up your nose so it gives them satisfaction, which is just what they want, don't let them get to you!!

postie272000

My solution which only works on narrow country lanes is to gradualy slow to a stop then get out of the car and examine the rear of my car, when the tailgater asks what I am doing I answer that I am trying to find out what they find so interesting on the back of my car that they have to get so close to examine it.

GaiaOne

Wow. I've had tailgaters so close that I couldn't see their headlights in my mirrors. Too close even to change lanes. Safest, I think, is to slow down a little bit, gradually. They usually are in such a hurry that they will pass you.

Slamming on the brakes it not a good idea. People get hurt that way.

If you can change lanes safely, go ahead. There's no point in getting upset with these clowns. They can't really make up any time on the road,and you probably will pass them eventually as you drive by the wreck they got into.....

willow

First of all, make sure you're not going UNDER the speed limit. The only thing I hate more than tail-gaters is some dozy sod going 10 kms under the speed limit or in the fast lane going the same speed as the other lanes. If you're doing the right speed, change lanes for them to pass I reakon and try not to take it personally, you're just a car in the way.

entidtil

When I am being tailgated, I gently tap the brake pedal just enough to make the brake light come on (never jam on the brakes) then I raise my hands so the driver behind can see, palms together and then draw them apart (as if to say; "back off, get off my bumper, give me some space"). This works about 80% of the time. If that doesn't work, I simply pull over and let the idiot pass me

UCANTCME

Don't slam your brakes. If you do that and there is an accident, you will be accused. You can even be arrested if it results in a fatality. There may even be drivers behind the tailgater who can get involved in an accident. The act of stopping abruptly for no reason can be regarded as road rage.

If at all possible, slow slightly & move away from the center of the road; allowing the tailgater to pass safely. Normally a tailgater just wants to drive faster, so they will pass and leave you alone. If you know people want to pass you, try to stay out of the high speed (passing) lane(s).

Do not view the aggressor as an 'adversary', 'opponent' or 'ignorant driver who needs taught a lesson'. You are no teacher, and taking steps to 'retrain' other drivers is likely going to be vigilanteism. Just concentrate on diffusing the situation. Let law enforcement handle the enforcement of laws.

RiSK

To avoid any potential issues, just change lanes. There's nowhere really to report them to (aside from your local PD or sheriff's office), but even then, Police usually won't do much aside from a warning or citation. Your best bet is just to switch lanes and let them be on their merry way.

Einstein

In Australia the rule is that if you run into the car in front of you, it is automatically your fault. No ifs or buts. You can make up your own mind how to play it.

kenbgray

I try and ignore them. They are the cause of road rage.

Jay guy

Let them ride you, when I got rear ended by one cause I had to stop fast they accused me of cutting them off and the cop believed me but I found witnesses and even pictures that proved he lied.

bungee

first of all you need to concentrate on driving your car. do not think it is up to you to be the driver of the other cars. just go along with the flow and don't do anything to make the situation worse;

Mick

Slow down a little bit. 5 kilometre or miles under the speed limit. They usually overtake you. Don't let them get to , you focus on your own driving. These clowns are the ones that end up wrapped around a tree.

Good Luck!!!

Kelly S

tap on your brakes slightly for only a second or two they will assume you are braking and brake also this gives them the point.

Fly High and True

For me, the question is not how to handle them, but how to handle myself. What works for me is breathing deeply and relaxing and not getting caught up in wanting to correct somebody else. Usually, they just want to pass. In that case, I give them the opportunity. Its a more civil response. I usually drive the speed limit, but when I want to drive a little faster, I always appreciate people who pull into the right lane to let me pass on their left. I don't tailgate to get the message across; but that is how some people communicate -- with body-language, which is what tailgating sometimes is.

Shade

Slam on the brakes.

Nate

Most of the time I will just go slower. If it is possible, I will let them pass me.

Tony C

Hello
There is a few things you can do, sometimes you can inch over to the edge of the shoulder and kick up some gravel and debris on the shoulder,and turn on your windshield washer,or start swerving back in forth,it works for me,or pop the trunk lid that always freaks them out.

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