HOW TO SAFELY HANDLE TAILGATERS (2023)

As a driver, one of the most frustrating things you can experience on the road is a tailgater. Tailgaters can cause stress, anxiety, and even accidents. It is important to know how to handle tailgaters safely to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. In this article, we will discuss some tips and techniques that you can use to safely handle tailgaters.

Understand Why Tailgating Happens

Before we get into how to handle tailgaters, it’s important to understand why they do it. Tailgating can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Impatience
• Aggression
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Lack of awareness
• Road rage

Stay Calm and Avoid Aggression

One of the worst things you can do when dealing with a tailgater is to become aggressive. This can escalate the situation and put you and other drivers at risk. Instead, try to stay calm and avoid any aggressive behavior. If the tailgater is bothering you, try to move to the right-hand lane or pull over to let them pass.

Increase Your Following Distance

Tailgating is dangerous because it reduces your reaction time in case you need to brake suddenly. To counter this, increase your following distance. The general rule of thumb is to stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you. This will give you more time to react if the tailgater suddenly breaks or swerves.

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Use Your Mirrors and Signals

Make sure to use your mirrors and signals to communicate with the tailgater. If you need to slow down or stop, tap your brake pedal lightly to let the tailgater know what you’re doing. Use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning to alert the tailgater of your intentions.

Stay Focused on the Road

It’s important to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions when dealing with tailgaters. Don’t let the tailgater’s behavior distract you from driving safely. Avoid looking at them in your rearview mirror and keep your eyes on the road ahead.

Don’t Slam on Your Brakes

One of the worst things you can do when dealing with a tailgater is to slam on your brakes. This can cause a rear-end collision and put you and the tailgater in danger. Instead, slow down gradually to give the tailgater enough time to react.

Stay at a Consistent Speed

Tailgaters often get frustrated when they feel like they’re not making progress. To avoid this, try to stay at a consistent speed. This will help the tailgater anticipate your movements and reduce their frustration.

Avoid Eye Contact

Avoid making eye contact with the tailgater. This can be seen as a challenge or an invitation to aggression. Instead, keep your eyes on the road ahead and focus on driving safely.

Report Reckless Driving

If the tailgater’s behavior is reckless or aggressive, don’t hesitate to report them to the authorities. You can use your phone to call 911 or report them to your local police department.

Stay Patient and Don’t Retaliate

Dealing with tailgaters can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay patient and avoid retaliating. Retaliating can escalate the situation and put you and others at risk. Remember that you’re in control of your own actions and behavior, and you can choose to handle the situation in a safe and responsible way.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with tailgaters can be a stressful and dangerous experience, but there are steps you can take to handle the situation safely. Understanding why tailgating happens and staying calm and focused on the road can help you avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe. Remember to increase your following distance, use your mirrors and signals, and avoid aggressive behavior. If the tailgater’s behavior is reckless or dangerous, report them to the authorities. Stay patient and don’t retaliate, and you’ll be able to safely handle tailgaters and arrive at your destination without incident.

FAQs

Is tailgating illegal?

Tailgating is not legal in most states and can result in a traffic violation and fines.

Should I brake check a tailgater?

No, brake checking a tailgater can be dangerous and result in a rear-end collision. Instead, slow down gradually to give the tailgater enough time to react.

Can I use my hazard lights to warn a tailgater?

No, using your hazard lights while driving can be dangerous and is not an effective way to warn a tailgater.

How can I stay calm when dealing with a tailgater?

Try to take deep breaths and focus on your driving. Don’t let the tailgater’s behavior distract you from driving safely.

What should I do if a tailgater causes an accident?

If a tailgater causes an accident, call 911 and report the incident to the police. Provide them with any information you have about the tailgater’s behavior and the accident itself.