ALT-1 What to do if someone Drives too Close behind you
Tailgating: a deranged stalker or insecure driver? Either way, it's annoying and dangerous.
Your first instinct may be to slam on the brakes and see what happens. Not a good idea.
There are many reasons why people tailgate. If it's nighttime or stormy and visibility is poor people may tailgate so they can see your taillights. Maybe driving close makes them feel safer. You could try putting your four-way flashers on to get them to back off. Chances are, they will probably just put theirs on too. You may have to pull over if you can do so safely.
Some tailgaters are young and inexperienced drivers. They are doing their hair, yakking on a cell phone or just not paying attention. Tapping the brakes lightly might warn them that they are too close.
If the person tailgating you is having a poor moment because you passed them the best thing to do is get off the road. Using the car to fight another car driven by someone with road rage is never a good idea. The ditch always wins.
If you can't pull over you should reduce your speed greatly and put your four way flashers on. This will encourage the tailgater to pass you, warn other drivers and alert authorities.
If you see a truck followed by six or seven motorists with about three inches separating their vehicles, back off. It's an accident waiting to happen. Don't join the dumb-dumb train.
Humans are the only species that will knowingly step into a dangerous situation to preserve pride or right of way. All other animals sense danger and run. People that speed and tailgate end up saving mere seconds in their travel time. There is no hurry and nothing to be gained by tailgating.
If you are driving too closely behind another motorist and they slam on their brakes for an imaginary bunny crossing the road, you will be at fault. Likewise, taking advantage of tailgaters to get a new car is not a good idea, either. That shiny Audi may not be worth the whiplash and broken teeth.
Drive your car in your own space and be smart when others tailgate. Your goal is to get to where you are going safely and not to hurt anyone else in the process. Speed is not part of the equation. Driving is not a race and you don't get paid any more to get there faster or first.
