Tailgating makes other drivers feel intimidated, scared and bullied. While it may not be intentional by the driver behind, to those in the car in front, it feels aggressive and personal.
Some drivers readily admit to tailgating but wouldn’t dream of drink-driving or using a handheld mobile phone. Many of them think and say they are really good drivers
Drivers should stay aware of how dangerous or intimidating their driving could be.
Driving safely if you are tailgated or want to avoid being tailgated
What you should do to avoid being tailgated
- Just drive normally:
The key is to not let the tailgater’s poor behaviour negatively influence your own driving. Simply continue to drive safely and cautiously, aware but not affected by their presence. - Allow them to overtake:
Keep a steady speed so they may overtake. Alternatively, pull to the side of the road, or turn off at a petrol station, but only if it is safe to do so. - Clearly signal:
Ensure the tailgater has a clear idea of your intentions by signalling early and changing your speed well in advance of a turn off. - Keep left:
Keep in the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Some tailgaters argue that ‘middle-lane hoggers’ cause tailgating. Don’t give tailgaters an excuse.
What you shouldn’t do
- Don’t speed up:
Generally this will encourage the tailgater to speed up behind you. Continue to travel at a safe speed. Do not allow the pressure from the tailgater to influence you to drive unsafely. - Don’t slow down:
Intentionally slowing down to irritate the close follower or tapping the brake lights can trigger road rage and cause more dangerous scenarios to arise. - Don’t stare in the rear-view mirror: