Being tailgated - how do you manage to stay calm?

Question

I'm driving a very curvy shore road every morning and evening, very dangerous to be on. Some people are always following too close - half of them, I'm sure, are just good people in a hurry who don't realize they're too close. But I can't influence their behaviour - what could I do to get less freaked out by other drivers being dangerously close?

Answer 1

I have unfortunately allowed idiots on the road to get under my skin on occasion. And conversely, I'll admit to tailgating and gesturing at others at times. But as I've grown older and wiser, and amassed more than 500,000 miles behind the wheel, I've gotten better at staying calm. If I am doing at least the speed limit, I will ignore them. If I am truly in no hurry at all, I will pull off the road and allow them to pass me, then wave or applaud to them when I come up behind them at the next traffic light.

If there is nowhere for you to pull off on that road to allow them to pass and them being right on your bumper is very distracting, you might want to switch your rearview mirror to the night mode so it dims their presence a little. Typically, if someone hits you from behind, they are considered at fault in the accident.

Here in New Jersey, USA, we actually have a cell phone hotline (#77) to call in and report "Aggressive Drivers". I used it only once, years ago when the five lane highway was very congested, and two sports cars were racing each other weaving between the lanes -- it was ridiculously dangerous.

We also have "Defensive Driving" courses here that refresh your knowledge of driving rules and regulations, and give you a place to discuss such scenarios. You also get a reduction on your car insurance premium for three years after taking it.

Answer 2

That's a really good question! Being followed too closely by another driver on ANY road is upsetting to me! Sometimes I just stop looking in my rear view mirror. I always go the speed limit (never over it), so I figure if the other driver isn't happy with that, he or she will have to tolerate me until there's a break and they're able to pass. I try not to let another person's haste and impatience transfer to me.

Answer 3

If there is an opportunity I would let them pass you. This way they can go faster and they are not bothering you. The only other thing I can tell you to do is put them out of your mind. The more you are thinking about them being there the more you are putting yourself at risk for an accident. Try to imagine that they are not there. If you have to turn your mirrors so you cannot see them.

Answer 4

I always stomp my breaks so they get close to hitting me. If they do hit me, it's completly there fault and out of there pocket. After that, i make sure to turn back and look at them, so they know it's time to back off. If they keep it up, and they hardly ever do, i stop my car in the middle of the road and walk back to confront them. Highway bullys are rarley more then bullys, and will back down if confronted.

Answer 5

i couldn't and can't do it.... i freak the fxxk out when someone is tailgating me...maybe it's road rage...in your case id probably slam on my brakes as a warning shot. if that doesn't work id sloww way ..way down until they pass me or run off the road in anger

Answer 6

i drive below the speed limit when they do that. they will look down at their speedometer and realize how fast you/they are going and adjust. usually they'll back off but sometimes they do get mad. you could always have something sticking out of the trunk...

Answer 7

consider the fact that they are not all as cautious as you are. If that doesn't help try to imagine your all alone and just concentrate on your driving and just be careful!!!!