A driver tailgating you presents several dangers that increase the risk of a rear-end collision. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to know the best way to respond to stay safe. You don’t want to make decisions that put you in more danger.
So, what should you do?
Stay calm
Someone tailgating you can be frustrating. Nonetheless, getting angry and responding by honking, slamming the brakes, increasing your speed and trying to block them is dangerous. These actions take your attention away from driving.
It’s critical to remain calm and maintain your speed when dealing with a tailgater. A few tips can help you stay calm. Firstly, take deep, slow breaths to manage your emotions. Additionally, focus on the road – avoid constantly looking in your rearview mirror.
You should also not take it personally. Tailgaters act from impatience, frustration, disregard for other road users, lack of confidence and intoxication. Their behavior is not a reflection of your driving, even if they try to make it look like they are tailgating as a response to you driving slowly.
Let them pass
If you are driving on a multi-lane road, safely switch lanes and let the tailgater pass. When the driver is passing, avoid giving them eye contact or engaging by hooting or using hand gestures, to prevent further escalation. If you are on a single-lane road, maintain your speed until you can pull over at a safe spot, such as a gas station or parking lot.
If the driver does not pass when you give way, and their behavior persists, pull over and call the police.
A tailgater can easily cause a rear-end accident. If you have suffered damages in such a circumstance, you need to know your options to fight for your rights.