What can I do if I am tailgated?

Question

Some people tailgaiting can become aggressive, or dangerous. What can I do to protect myself?

Answer 1

Slow down they will pass you, if you want them to do it faster just turn your emergency lights on and slow down some more.

Answer 2

I have two very different answers for this question, read them both and decide which is best for you.

1. This is the safest way to deal with a tailgater - simply move out of the way, note the license plate # of the vehicle that was tailgating you and file a report with the police for "Harassment" (provided that there is such a violation on the books where the incident happened). Especially if the person utilizes their hi-beams to get your attention, or if they change lanes go around you and then slam on their brakes - these actions can be construed as "reckless driving".

2. The 2nd way is to simply ignore them (especially if you're travelling over the speed limit and they want to travel faster than you), maintain your speed and make them to go around you. If they engage in any of the above-mentioned actions notify the police.

Answer 3

Avoid the urge to retaliate, or brake check, or slowing down - this is how road rage starts. Be the bigger person, and get out of the tailgater's way. Then call the police and report a dangerous driver.

Answer 4

I agree with cc123, I also do this or will get next to someone ealse or a truck and just drive their speed for awhile so they can't pass and piss them off more. Anyone who hits you in the rear will always get the ticket and be their fault for not having control over their car.
Don't stress you are getting to them more by not letting them get to you. Relaxe and drive, if they are that close try some of these options, if nothing ealse it will make you feel better.

Answer 5

pull over close to the shoulder, and find a wide spot to slow down in and let the fool pass, then often you will see him stopped by a cop, stopped by a traffic light, or involved in a wreck up ahead as you proceed past him with a smile on your face. This sort of scenario happens more than you think.

Answer 6

Use your flashers....be sure to insert some nice bright LED's

People will back off and/or pass. It gets extremely annoying after about 5 minutes of watching those lights, especially at night.

The brighter those lights....the sooner they get around.

Answer 7

Let them pass you....change lanes if you have to. It's not worth getting into an accident. It's a real shame how inconsiderate drivers have become. I was just commenting to my husband about this the other day.

Answer 8

if the road is clear ahead,and the surface level,and the speed no greater than the limit.put the pig in your trunk.i did this with the cops and everything worked out fine.caution,be ready for a roll over.

Answer 9

Never, Never NEVER slow down suddenly

First thing, are you driving in a way that makes it harder for other cars? (eg driving side by side at the same speed as other lanes? ... I call this, "Mobile Roadblocks")
If there is more than one lane, are you driving in a way to let other drivers pass you? (It may be a dad trying to get a family member to a hospital.)

Second, there are idiots out there. Some can get very angry very quickly if you do anything to them. Wave them on.
If they are idiots to others too, get there number plate and phone the police that a drunk just staggered out of a bar, got into a car, and side-swiped 7 cars and you followed him onto the highway until you could get his licence plate.

If he won't go away, stop at the next traffic lights, back up so he can't get around you and don't move until the lights turn orange. Keep your eye on the mirrors and get out of there if he or his passenger gets out of the car.

Then again, as long as he isn't hurting anyone, just get out of his way.

Answer 10

If you slow down enough they will get angry and pass you. Trust me, I live in Atlanta. If you speed up to 85 they want you to go 95 so, just slow down and let them go by.