Someone tailgating you can lead to frustration and anxiety, seeing that they are increasing the chances of you being involved in a rear-end collision. If you are in such a situation, it’s vital to know how to respond to stay safe.
Some reactions may escalate the situation, putting you at a higher risk. So, what should you do?
Stay calm
You need to remain relaxed when someone tailgates you. This allows you to focus on the road. Besides, it helps control the situation, as the tailgater may engage in more aggressive behavior if you respond by slamming your brakes or making sudden changes.
When you need to brake, do so gently. Ensure the tailgater sees you gradually slowing down so they can have time to respond safely.
Maintain your speed
When a driver is tailgating you, it’s natural to want to speed up to increase the safe following distance. However, this may not be wise. If you increase your speed, the tailgater may do so as well. Additionally, by driving beyond the speed limit, you increase the risk of an accident. Do not let the tailgater’s behavior negatively impact your driving. You are in control of your car.
Get out of the way
If you are on a multilane road, change lanes when safe to let the tailgater pass. If on a single lane road, find a safe spot and pull over. This can be an open parking lot or a gas station.
When the tailgater passes, do not engage. Avoid eye contact, yelling or using gestures. This can lead to other aggressive behaviors. If they refuse to pass after getting out of the way, and you believe you are unsafe, call the police immediately.
While the behaviors of a tailgater can be dangerous, how you react matters. You need to be extra careful. If a tailgater hit you, legal guidance can help you understand your options.