Tailgating

[Epyon9283]

I don’t know if anyone here does it, but it is quite annoying. Today I was driving to school when this moron gets into my lane right behind me. When the speed limit changed to 35mph because of construction, I decided it would be best to go the speed limit because fines are doubled in a construction zone. The idiot behind probably didn't think the same way so he just kept getting closer. He got so close that I could not see his head lights or license plate in my rear view mirror. To me, this is way too close. I then decided to hit the brakes a bit so maybe he would back off. Instead, he freaks out swerving a bit and then two seconds later he’s back to where he was before. Now through this entire time, there were two lanes. He could have easily passed me. Why do people feel the need to tailgate? It’s not going to get them to where they're going any faster. In fact, when someone tailgates me, I slow down. It's also quite a few points on your insurance if you're caught doing it. I don't get it...

[maface]

Happens to me alot when I'm driving to work. I don't get it, I know theres police there alot of days so why take the chance. I don't want my insurance going up. I will try to stay no more than 5 miles over the limit and everyone seems to want to go right up on me then somethimes go around. I usually meet up with them at the red light so whats the point

[OuTpaTienT]

I'm assuming this wasn't a two or more lane (in one direction) highway. Because I'm sure you know that slower traffic should always keep to the right and not stay in the fast lane.

But if it was just one lane for the direction you were traveling in and some yahoo is tailgating, the most important thing is don't let'em get to you. Just do the speed limit (or even slightly under ) and ignore them. If they are seriously too close, as your "friend" seemed to be, then by all means don't hit the brakes...that's a "punk" move. (Not that I've never done it myself, but I've also done a lot of stupid things over the years.) Instead of hitting the brake you should simply let off on the gas, and slow down 5 to 10 mph. If they get even closer, then slow down another 5 - 10 mph. It also helps to occasionally glance in the rear-view mirror and give them a big friendly smile.

And when you reach a two lane portion of the road and they punch it to drive around you, wave at them and smile. It's ok to pretend like your flipping them off, but don't...you're better than that...just wave and smile and be content with the knowledge that at that particular moment your blood pressure is much lower than theirs is.

[Agent_Embryo]

Ever seen Lost Highway?

[Toadman]

Seems to be a tendency of large SUV drivers, who can see the road ahead over a car and assume it negates leaving the required safety cushion.

[Epyon9283]

This was on a 2 lane in each direction highway. There was plenty of room for the guy to pass the entire time. I was in the right most lane. I know it wasn't too bright to hit the brakes but you should have seen the look on the guys face when I did it. It was priceless. I won't go over the speed limit there because it's a favorite hang out for cops. I see at least one or two people getting pulled over there each day.

[Knothead]

Right on, OuT! I'd have written that, but you beat me to it.

[maface]

Originally posted by Toadman
Seems to be a tendency of large SUV drivers, who can see the road ahead over a car and assume it negates leaving the required safety cushion.

I love when a SUV's have their high beams blinding me in my rear view mirror. Thats always fun

[JKLiMpKoRn]

I know what ur talking about epyon. In fact today someone did that with my dad. The guy (after about half a mile) decided to go around my dad and because he thought he was cool he rolled down his window. Epyon knows how big my dad is plus my dad ALWAYS keeps his gun on him (Government ... not a psyco). If my dad were crazy it would have been very easy to tick him off and the guy would have gotten shot. Word of advice for you.... insert bad word... out there that love to be annoying and drive like idiots, you never know who you might be ticking off

[Mike]

I try not too tailgate (Although in rush hour traffic in Philadelphia, I admit that I have done it.. ) Like OuT said is when people that have no business driving in the left lane STAY there for no reason. That's what gets to me...
Tailgaters don't phase me because I just take my foot off the gas and slow down.