Why do people tailgate? Is there any way to get them to back off?

Question

Yesterday I was driving in the country--one lane each way, no passing--and I was doing the limit (55), and I looked in my rearview mirror and I couldn't see anything but the front of a Ford F-150. I swear, this guy was *one* car length behind me. I prayed a deer didn't choose that moment to dart out on the road (it happens, here). I took the very first opportunity to get off the road (some poor schmuck's driveway), and Mr. Ford blew past me like a tornado. Being an educated person, I thought to myself, "What the f-ing f-?"

As unnerving as this was, it was not an unusual occurance; it happens on that particular road all the time. I'm always doing the limit, or close to it; there is nothing provocative about my car, nor do I have any nasty bumper stickers. I, myself, appear normal, and do not shoot the bird out the window or do ANYTHING that would irritate other drivers.

So, Yahoo people, what do you think? What on earth is up with these drivers? What would you do?

Answer 1

Slow way down, gradually, and move to the right. There are some drivers you want to be 100 yards ahead of you, not 1 - 3 car lengths behind you.

"The Limit" to these guys is the posted one, plus 20-30 extra because they are young and have quick reflexes. They are MUCH better drivers than normal and able to handle things easier than us old folks. Easily. They will tell you so if ask. Sometimes you don't have to ask.

It doesn't hurt to cross yourself as they blow by, if they happen to look into the rear view mirror. I do, once in a while, and I'm not even Catholic.

On a related note, I was admiring a "crotch rocket" the other day at the gas station - a motorcycle with a curb weight of basically nothing and 200 horsepower. The kid who owned it was telling me how he'd had it up to 120 on a country road.

"That's great!", I said.

"Do you ride?", he asked.

"No, but my father-in-law is second in line in this county for cornea transplants."

It gave him pause.

Answer 2

Don't you just love it when you are doing 60 on the highway and someone in a large SUV is less than a car length behind you talking or arguing on their cell phone then hang up and dialing someone else. The thing that really worries me is all the dead deer along the road.
How would you feel about making a decision about hitting your breaks so a deer doesn't go through your windshield while this guy is on your bumper?

Answer 3

Brake Check? That's kind of laughable in NYC, really. You've never seen the traffic on any NYC bridge, no matter what time of day it is. Everybody is going 60 or better with bumper to bumper vehicles. Brake lights do pop on very quickly sometimes, but it doesn't make a dent in traffic.

Answer 4

everybodys a tough guy. So give it back.
Most state defensive driving courses will tell you to "Brake Check". This is tapping on your brake to slightly slow down and flash your brake lights.
If a tailgater is bothering you, you get back at them causing them to slow down.

There really is no solution to this problem as brake checking just will piss them off and your already upset with them tailgating.
Do the brake check don't speed up. Speeding up will give them the upper hand, keep control of your life and make others follow your lead.

Answer 5

there are a few things you can do, you can either brake check them, or instead of checking them, just slam on the brakes and come to a complete stop and have him buy you a new vehicle, or slow down to about 25 or 30 and straddle the yellow line so he cant pass

Answer 6

My husband puts his lights on. When the tailgaters see the rear lights come on they think he is braking and slow down.

Answer 7

stay with your foot on the gas and hit the brakes lightly. they get the point 80% of the time

Answer 8

Toss a few steel ball bearings out of your sunroof, works for me!

Answer 9

Because they are complet IDIOTS, not a clue about how to drive correctly. tail gaters are my 'pet peve' too.

Answer 10

slow down and drop a wheel in the gravel,