According to the handbook, you should allow a four-second or more cushion when: Being crowded by a tailgater. Allow extra room ahead. Then, if you need to, you can slow down gradually and avoid braking suddenly – and being hit from behind by the tailgater.
What should you do when a tailgater is following too closely?
- Keep your distance. The best way to deal with a tailgater is to stay away from them in the first place. ...
- Stay calm. ...
- Get out of the way. ...
- Maintain a consistent speed. ...
- Don’t overuse your brakes. ...
- Don’t become a tailgater yourself. ...
- Don’t try to police the roadway.
What would you do if someone was tailgating?
- Stay calm. The worst thing you could do in this situation is get worked up. ...
- Don’t increase your speed. It can be tempting to speed up as you might feel pressured by the tailgater the closer they get. ...
- Pull over. ...
- Travel in the left lane. ...
- Don’t try and make them back off.
What are the 4 steps you can take to deal with tailgaters?
- Remain calm! ...
- Consider your own judgement of what is too close. ...
- Always know your local driving laws. ...
- Pull over and allow the vehicle behind you to pass, if it is safe to do so.
What is a good response to a tailgating driver?
A common response to a tailgater is to speed up to try and get away from the tailgater’s bumper . But, this usually results in the tailgater also increasing speed. Instead, slow down. No, not to piss off the tailgater, but to gain a space cushion ahead of you.
What is the best way to lose a tailgater?
Brake slowly before stopping. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. “Lose” the tailgater as soon as you can. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass you, or slow down to allow enough space between you and the car in front of you.
Is tailgating a road rage?
What Is Road Rage? Aggressive driving can take many forms, like tailgating, weaving and speeding.
How do you tell if someone is tailgating you?
If you notice someone tailgating you, your first instinct might be to panic or get upset . You might either feel nervous that someone is following too closely, or you might be angry that someone is following too closely. Either way you need to take a couple of deep breaths and put your emotions aside for the time being.
Can I report someone for tailgating?
Rather than taking matters into your own hands, you can report the driver to police or the business to which the vehicle belongs and appropriate measures of disciplinary action should be taken.
Is brake checking legal?
Brake checking is the act of unexpectedly is slamming on your brakes because the person behind you is tailgating or following too closely. Brake checking is not legal , it can lead to serious injury including a wreck with fatalities.
Why do drivers tailgate?
Typically, someone is tailgating you because they want you to drive faster . ... In more severe cases, tailgating may be an expression of road rage. If you feel someone is endangering you or others on the road, call the police and ask for help.
When being followed by a tailgater you should first try to?
When being closely followed by a tailgater, you should slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent a collision with them.
Where should drivers reduce their speed?
You should reduce your speed, irrespective of the speed limit, when: The road layout or condition presents hazards , such as bends. You are sharing the road with pedestrians, horse riders or cyclists. You are driving in poor weather conditions.
How do you deal with aggressive drivers behind you?
- Check and Correct Your own Behavior. While there is never an excuse for road rage, sometimes frustrated drivers get worse due to other motorists. ...
- Let Them Pass. ...
- Ignore the Behavior. ...
- Practice Acceptance. ...
- Pull Over. ...
- Call 911.
When you encounter an aggressive driver tailgating you the first thing to do is?
Brake slowly before stopping . Avoid tailgaters when possible by changing lanes. If you cannot change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when safe and let the tailgater pass.
How many accidents are caused by tailgating?
According to research by the Highways’ Agency, tailgating is a contributing factor in more than one third of all crashes on the road and is one of our top causes of car accidents.
