One of the things I hate most in this world are tailgaters! They're a road hazard, nuisance and they just make you want to stop your car and...BUT oops, you can't because they'll probably slam right into you!
Tailgating occurs when you look in your rear or sideview mirror and see a vehicle right behind you looming large. They're like pests that are practically stuck to your rear bumper. The drivers who tailgate are aggressive and in dire need of not only an attitude adjustment but a driver refresher course. Unfortunately, zen drivers are oftentimes victims of these hot-headed motorists.
When someone decides to bully another driver by driving too closely behind them, what actually winds up happening is an unexpected accident. Thankfully states are cracking down on this violent practice of road rage and intimidation that results in one-third of all rear-end collisions.
Tailgating is against the law and if you're caught, you'll pay a fine and in many states, it can also cost you points on your driver's license.
If you're a victim of tailgating, here's what you can do to stay safe on the road:
1) If someone is following you too closely, first signal, then carefully move into another lane or get off the road to allow them to pass
2) Never tap or slam on your brakes! The driver behind you is probably a nut job and already peeved off by something/someone else and then here you are, adding to his/her short fuse.
3) If you want to risk it by staying in your lane, ever so slightly, lower your speed, so that they can get around you.
Always keep in mind that tailgaters typically exercise poor judgment and endanger you and others trying to pass when it is not safe. These careless drivers are usually also testosterone-laden fools who are mindless, so let them be and let them go!
Be safe out there!
--Car Chick
Comments
especially horrible in North Carolina i bet you it is the worse state for tailgating
Not North Carolina....The worst drivers are in NY, NJ and CA metropolitan areas. Tailgating and rubbernecking. HATE THEM!!! I do as you suggest, I'm not moving so i just take my foot off of the accelerator and coast...If they want to pass, they will. When I'm really feeling nasty and wanna fight, I slam on the brakes and they usually run and then I tailgate them....
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