A significant percentage of drivers report being tailgated often. So, the likelihood of being around a driver who doesn’t observe the safe following distance can be high. Thus, it’s vital to know how to respond to stay safe.
Here is what to do:
Remain calm
A tailgater’s behavior can be frustrating, as it endangers you. Nonetheless, you should try as much as possible to remain calm. Do not take their behavior personally. Avoid yelling, slamming on your brakes, blocking them from passing or using gestures to express your frustration.
These actions take your attention away from driving, which puts you at more risk. Besides, they can escalate the situation.
Maintain a steady speed
Maintain a consistent speed so the other driver can predict your movements and pass safely. Moreover, speeding to increase the gap can lead to breaking the law, and you risk losing control.
Let them pass
If you are on a multi-lane road, move over to the right when it’s safe to let the tailgater pass. If you are on a single-lane road, look for a safe place to pull over, such as an open, well-lit parking lot or gas station.
Avoid engaging
When the driver is passing, avoid eye contact or other forms of communication, such as using gestures or flashing your lights. When you engage, the driver may view it as a challenge. The situation can easily turn into a dangerous road rage encounter. You want them to get away from you as soon as possible.
If you feel you are in immediate danger, for instance, the tailgater refuses to pass when you give them way, but their behavior persists, pull over into a public place and call 911.
Tailgaters endanger other road users. If you sustained injuries due to the actions of a tailgater, you can hold them liable for their negligence.