How To Deal with Tailgaters when Driving
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- Being tailgated can cause stress and frustration as the vehicle behind increases the likelihood of a collision and injury. In this video I explain and demonstrate how you can keep yourself safe whilst being tailgated.
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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in Great Britain, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.
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00:00 What is tailgating?
00:25 Bad solutions
02:41 Why tailgating happens
08:05 How to deal with tailgating
15:18 Frustration
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I’ve been driving nearly forty years. The advice my dad gave me way back when I first started is just as valid today: “if someone is right behind you, it’s because they’ve caught you up. Let them come past. It’s better to watch their accident happen in front of you, than be involved in it”.
Good point!
Until one day you encounter the idiot that is tailgating you just because they can. I had that happen on a highway. Highway diverged into two lanes, I took the left lane as appropriate so faster person could go past in the right lane, yet he just kept on tailgating. So I moved right and so did he. You just have to accept that no matter how good a driver you are there are always dicks out there.
My driver instructor told us when taking the theory part, that there are psychopaths out there in the traffic. For some reason I find that the recless drivers tend to drive expensive sports cars. Or costly cars. Some of them weaving the lanes as rules don't count for them
Yes, I always preferred to see bad drivers in front of me rather than behind.
I just decrease my speed gradually until they get the point.
In my 30+ years of driving I’ve found the main reason someone tailgates is because they’re an arsehole.
_I'm very important and always in a hurry._ 🧐
Comforting thing is that they get all the blame if they crash into you regardless
@@cohenworrior898 Do you realize I am driving an Audi/BMW? For that reason I am more important than you....... NOW SHIFT OUT OF MY WAY!!!
@@kaybee5150hey, don't discriminate!!! I drive an A180 with 4D plates, I'm a A+ arseole too!!
Stupid comment
Took a defensive driving course many years ago. One thing that always stuck with me that the instructor said is to remove your emotions from the situation and don’t assume anyone’s intentions. If you do, you are allowing the other driver to unsafely dictate your actions. We don’t know if they are just an idiot, or maybe even dealing with some sort of personal emergency. All that really doesn’t matter. You control your vehicle. If there’s room to change lanes, just move over, and let them on by.
Mee too. Those military "defensive driving" courses teach so many excellent skills 👏
@@rickbear7249 - Figured this out on my own. I encounter tailgaters on the Interstate more often that on surface streets. If they persist then I maintain a greater distance between me and the vehicle in front of me thus allowing for greater braking distance. If someone merges into that space then I slow slightly to increase the distance again. If they're still pushing and there's little to no traffic then I just maintain my chosen pace (I am not a slow or timid driver) and they'll eventually go around me. More often, though, I just change lanes. Either way, I don't get mad.
No, moving over just gives them the feeling of entitlement and nothing changes...or even gets worse.
@jashton8710 never heard of instant karma ? 😅😂
@@jashton8710 - While some might get a feeling of entitlement when I move over I wouldn't say that's universal. On the other hand, I'm just sharing the road, so there's that.
Take these bits of advice from an old man who was a long-distance truck driver across many states, many years. Slow down, slightly. Stay in the right side of the right lane. Take an exit ramp, and go across that road and get back on the same highway in a minute or so. Take a short break off the road for gas, a soda, coffee, a burger, whatever you will need, take that small break now, instead of later. Use your turn signals, use your slower speed, use the best driving you can, to do better than the ones who are driving badly. Don't make the wrong choice of driving OVER the speed limit to give them the distance YOU would like them to be at. Don't slam on your brakes in front of them, better to use your turn signal and turn off of that street, and turn back onto it in a minute. If they are road ragers and are following you, let them, just stay 10 miles under the speed limit, do not get up to top speed, or the legal speed limit. Let them pass you. They are risking a wreck, they will get to their designation one full minute before you will get to yours. . But not If a Police person does stop them, someday. Then they get to pay a ticket.
The ticket being the best outcome if not an accident happens.
Trouble is police never seem to be there to catch them.@@ifly2themoon171
Assured cleared distance per speed = they set the cleared distance + I adjust the speed
Not quite what I do, but when tailgated on single carriageway roads I do look for a layby so I can pull in and left the offending vehicle past.
One time, with my elderly mother in the car, I moved over (here its to the left) and the tailgater behind me sped off fast up the street. I said to myself about them > “Bye! enjoy your ticket when you get it”. And my elderly mum goes “ Yea and it wont be a ticket to the Policemans Ball either”. 😂😂😂
As somebody who has had a full licence for 58 years I find that smooth driving is the answer to virtually everything.
True. It just means you have to do their thinking for them........which yes, can be a little tiring 🙄
As a bus driver the secret is to just take your time and think ahead and expect drivers to make mistakes. The problem with most drivers today is that they drive to quick and barely pay any other drivers on the road a second thought.
And pulling over to let a tailgater by. Sometimes being slow and careful enrages a tailgater. Often they are aggressive drivers, not just unaware. So it’s safer to get out of their way. And in the US slow drivers can be cited for forcing drivers to pass in the non-passing lane. But you are right, zen mode definitely helps.
Decades ago I remember seeing the Queen Mum's chauffeur describing how he drives.
The vision I came away with was that he was driving as though a glass of champagne was perched on the dashboard and he was just trying not to spill a drop.
I became a much better driver inspired by watching that guy driving around for a demonstration.
Same with me. After 23 years of driving smooth driving is the answer.
I did a speed awareness course and actually I was advised on two things, at roundabouts, go around the roundabout twice to put the tailgater in front of you. The other thing I was told is if you really feel uneasy with a tailgater, pull over the side of the road and let them pass you but look like your parking.
Amazing how the best advice doesn't involve the ego.
That's what I was hoping Richard taught here. Because it's the fastest and easiest way to get out of the unsafe situation, and it provides instant relief of stress.
Did they explain why you should look like parking?
@@inesucrvenom because it doesn't make it obvious to the tailgater that you are in some way chastising him/her.
I did this recently actually, went all the way around a roundabout where I needed the 2nd exit, car vanished :) much better than them trying to overtake me further down the 50 limit single carriageway -.-
Tailgating is the most stupidest and weirdest thing to do.. it actually artificially creates traffic instead of keeping it "at a steady flow"! 1000% agree with you! KEEP THE FLOW!!
If I'm in the passing lane and someone is tailgating me, I'll move to the right (American). If some particularly stupid person is tailgating me in a middle lane, I won't brake check them, but I'll take my foot off the accelerator and almost everyone will finally pass me once I go below the speed limit
don't drive under the speed limit and you wont be tailgated, also if you are tailgated, pull off to the side and let them pass.
As an ex driving instructor I can agree with everything you say and do. I saw a sticker on the back of a car some years ago that said "The closer you get, the slower I go" 😎
I keep as far to the left of the road as I can safely drive (we drive on the left hand side), and I slow my pace, keeping well back from those in front of me to create a safe place for them to pass me and re-emerge back into the line of traffic once traffic coming the other way is clear. I want them to pass me so I no longer have to deal with them tailgating.
I saw one that said any closer you'd need to wear a condom.
I saw one that said " if you're up my arse, you could at least buy me dinner first" which I found quite funny 😂
a classic one in Australia (especially on trucks) in very small writing "If you can read this...." and then in larger print "YOU'RE TOO CLOSE!!!"
How about this bumper sticker, "I left on time, feel free to go around me"!
One thing he didn’t mention to rid yourself of a tailgater is that you can go round a roundabout a full turn before exiting and hopefully the tailgater has gone and you end up behind them, also applies to pulling in to a lay by to let them get past.
yes and then you tailgate and highbeam them back HAHAHAHAHA im kidding
Yeah, I'm not a driving instructor, but in my opinion everyone needs to drive defensively, and when there's any kind of threat on the road, by far the safest course of action is to get away from the threat as quickly but safely as possible.
I wouldn't speed up to get away from a tailgater, though, because in my experience they will just continue matching your speed. You can never go fast enough to satisfy a speeding maniac. I'd rather just pull over when it's safe to do so, and let them get as far away from me as possible.
Roundabouts are vary useful for that. Apart from anything else, it lets you know if the driver behind is tailgating or attempting a car-jacking (or on a road rage rampage). If it's just tailgating then they won't follow you all the way around. If they do, then it's time to call the police.
Excellent idea especially the roundabouts that are positioned about 5km near an approaching country town that you are visiting as often that's the time as a visitor you start thinking about the Motel/Hotel, visiting relatives, food or fuel, the worst possible time to get a damn tailgater btw then there's the reduced speed limits to observe which is why I try to catch a train where I can
Going all the way round the roundabout is also a good way to check if someone is following you. 😎
@@muddydog6605 or the person just got lost HAHAHAHA
Tailgaters get me so riled up, I tend to forget where my accelerator is 😧
@@RedNoise-hz5nh A response to a poor driver behind is to adjust your mirrors so you cant see behind you? Two wrongs don't make a right!
Hey @RedNoise-hz5nh, ever considered that your driving style might be cause of this behaviour, Are you always sticking to the far right lane, Being in that lane doesn't mean you have the right to stay in it and choose the speed limit you feel fit, That tends to make people tailgate. Picture this you're cruising on the motorway in the far right lane, and someone's riding your tail. Even if you're going the speed limit or 10 over (keeping in mind your speedometer might be inaccurate by a bit), they could be annoyed because the right lane is usually for passing. They're not trying to bully you, they just want to get by. Next time this happens, try using your left indicator, slide over, and let them pass. It's not personal - just a way for everyone to get where they're going smoothly.
-A fellow tailgater lol
You said it in a cheeky way, but I do the same, for a good reason. If the car behind is too close, if I have to do an emergency brake, they will crash into me. So I have to reduce the chances of having to do an emergency brake. The only way to do this is by going slower, seeing dangers earlier and gaining the ability to avoid them with a gradual braking maneuver instead of a full on emergency brake. So, I reduce speed by 20% or so until they either pass me or increase their distance again.
@@RedNoise-hz5nh Yeah here in aus its so bad, espseically up here on the central coast. I drive an MX-5 too so I get tailgated constantly usually by cars 3x my size. Pisses me off
@@RedNoise-hz5nh Wow that is ridiculous people are really tailgating at those speeds, Not much you can do I guess.
A few years back (pre dashcam era), I had a knackered old Toyota Celica that I picked up for £150, didn't care about and was getting rid of anyway. Late one night, I had a chav sitting right on my rear bumper with his missus, laughing to each other about how close they were. I decided that this was going to be the Celica's death rattle, and literally STOOD on the brakes. They were so close that the impact wasn't that violent lol, but the utter shock on the boyfriend's face was priceless. Turned my lights off so they couldn't get my reg plate and made good my escape through the loca rat run 😎
Excellent! 😂
A very well-worthwhile instruction video. When 68, I took a course of Advanced Driving lessons to get my driving up to scratch and continue (now 75) to use the same procedures.
I don't want to be "some old fart" that caused an accident.
Thank you and best to All.
That is a good idea for many; I have been thinking about doing similar in my country.
Been driving for 40 years & thanks to your videos I'm now still up to date with new rules & things I didn't know you had to do as back then was completely different
I past my test in 1979, I've drove most things including coaches, driving standards have definitely dropped, a lot of people are aggressive, and drive too fast, and too close
@@glenmason1876Agree - 'point and squirt' modern vehicles requiring little driving skill I think is partly to blame.
1.driver faster. 2 focus on the road ahead and stop worrying about what's happening behind you. 3 learn to keep up with traffic
@gerrard: Yes, I believe people were much more considerate years ago. And now we have the added scourge of people who can't put their cellphone away.
@@glenmason1876Likewise. Been driving 45 years now. Not a tailgater but, my most horrific tale is from when I worked in Riyadh. I was driving a Daewoo Racer... (like the Astra GTE 3 door, but nowhere as good) it had a 1.5 engine, with three of my mates in it, on our way home from work. Ahead, at an off ramp (drive on the right over there) was a huge Chevy Suburban heading towards us, in reverse! He was crossing all four lanes as his behemoth got closer and closer. I switched into overdrive by turning off the AC, and dropped it into fourth gear. My friend in the rear right seat reckoned that he missed us by a few inches with the front of his car, remember, he was in reverse. We all went back to our rooms for a change of underware before getting our lunch.
I remember a few years ago driving slowly through heavy snow when someone stuck themselves super close right behind me, flashlight their lights trying force me to go faster... At some point the road was straight and a little bit wider so I moved to the side a bit to let them overtake... Which they did, proceeding to drive on really quickly... I carried on driving a few more minutes until I came to a sharp bend with the car that had overtaken me on its roof! I saw the driver was OK, standing next to the car, talking into his phone... And drove past thinking about who was going to get home quicker on that day!
I'd have winked at them.
@@TimSlee1 Heh. You're a bigger man than I am. I would have waved!
@@TimSlee1 I'd thank them for volunteering to give us a valuable lesson :)
Me too, or if i had a horm similar to the one used in the Dukes Of Hazzard, i would have used that. @@TimSlee1
@thegunsngloryshow except when the speed limit is set already and there are no other lanes, or place to give way.
A slow knowledgeable driver is safer than a speedy "know how to drive" only driver.
About 10 years ago, I was driving in the Netherlands when I narrowly escaped becoming involved in a multiple vehicle dual carriageway pile up. It was the evening rush hour and both lanes were nose-to-tail doing around 30mph. I ensured that there was enough stopping distance in front of me for myself AND for the tailgater who was sitting on my tail. A sudden cloudburst resulted in a 30 vehicle pile up. The only undamaged car was mine. I had enough space to slow and stop, including slowing the car behind me. When the police arrived, they were amazed to find this lone GB plate undamaged car.
You should try Belgium, no extra speed limits in driving rain and to keep up with the Flow they tend to do about 90 MPH, nearly needed a change of underwear and I´ve been driving a taxi for 20 years!
Crazy place.
I've been driving for about 16 years now and I mostly get tailgated because I always cruise at exactly the speed limit, where possible. I always drive in the manner displayed in this video so most of the times I ignore tailgaters and pretend like they don't exist...but it's sad to see some people struggle with it. You've done a good job at demonstrating a solution to such a situation. I'm definitely recommending this video to some of my friends that are uncomfortable with tailgaters!
As an ex driving instructor I used to teach 'the speed limit is a maximum, not a target'.
As a NORMAL person, I recognize that it is not my responsibility to make sure others are following the law. Thus if I'm in the passing lane with a tailgater, I MOVE THE F--- OVER!!
Most accidents are not caused by speed but by differences in speed. If everyone's going 10 over, and you're going the speed limit, you're the problem.
@@charlescarmichael1124 No, if you drive faster than the speed on the signs, it is you yourself who is the problem and not the person driving at the maximum permitted speed. And this regardless of how many people drive too fast.
@@MrJohnEco Absolutely disagree. It's objectively more dangerous to go the speed limit than the speed of all the other 100 cars close to you. It's not the speeders that cause the problem. It's the single self righteous fool who demands to be a speed bump. Now yes ideally everyone would not speed. But in reality most highway limits are 10-15 mph slower than the highway design. A good example of this is a highway in my state. The limit is 80 mph. Until they raised it, people would go 5 to 10 over all the time. Now I go right at the limit and I almost never get passed.
@@EelingStudios
While I respect a person's decision to drive the "speed limit", I find most limits far too low. Standard speed limits were set over a half century ago, when most cars had no power steering or braking and weighed more than today's vehicles. 55MPH on a 3-lane highway is honestly laughable. That all said, I understand the reasoning to keep limits lower.
I do much the same but in addition, as soon as I can do so safely, I signal and pull into a safe area in order to let them go around. I have found the longer they are behind you, the more dangerous they may become. Never let a tailgater know they have aggravated you as this can also make things worse.
Very good advice. I do it often in mountainous regions. Locals may know every bend and therefore go faster than average "newcomer" like me. Besides, I drive a 7-seater minivan so I simply can't drive as fast as most smaller cars on the twisty road. Otherwise people sitting in the back would be thrown left and right and that would make them feel very uncomfortable (nausea etc).
So yea, giving such people way is often best for both parties. I continue safely without stress and they got what they want.
This is what we do in Hawaii. We call it "driving with aloha". Aloha means love. I don't know the reason they want to drive fast. They could be angry, impatient, or bleeding. Giving the benefit of the doubt, and so as to not share in their risk seeking, I help them to pass when it's safe.
Don’t disagree with anything you’re saying potentially a good strategy. If you pull over, just make sure you’re not endangering yourself by doing that. I do also think it tends to reinforce tailgating behavior. Safe travels
@@tn8402 Good point on emboldening tailgaters by getting out of their way. Here's my reasoning on that. One way or another, I don't believe I'm going to teach a tailgater anything for or against tailgating, I'm just diffusing a bad situation in safely getting out of their way.
Lowering your speed is the best answer, and I get enjoyment from that. Less chance of damage if the meatheads run in to you. Pulling over and letting go around, is stupid, and reinforces there stupid behavior. The reason most of them do it, is because they are aggressive ass hole drivers, used to pushing people around.
I totally agree, I live in Canada and I see so many people tailgate and I do the same and slow down. But at times on a long stretch of highway I will slow down a little and will completely pull over on to the side of the road and let them pass. I am never in a rush and would rather be a minute or two late then get into an unfortunate situation.
I agree sometimes you get the tailgaters when you are on your way to a funeral etc, I can't deal with a tailgater on those days except to be early and pull over
A long and boring talk show 😢
Not sure how bad Canada is, but the US is just perpetual tailgating. People just seem determined to use your speed as a pacer. And once they move past you then almost always slow down unless there is another car on their immediate horizon to catch up with. It's an odd mentality.
@@koncorde Toronto is awful. If you leave a safe gap from the car in front they will honk or try an unsafe pass just to move up 1 car length in bumper to bumper traffic. Brain cells here are sorely lacking.
I live in the GTA.
Just tired of people cruising in the left lane when there is room in the right lane. This is especially true for highways.
Left lanes are for passing; MOVE OVER! This prevents people from weaving in and out.
Your choice…
Just by watching this video, i learned new things and immediately get the connection pertaining to the following reasons that you mentioned:
1. Prevent people from cutting in front of me
2. Being pressured by the vehicle behind
3. Pressuring the vehicle in front of you
I am from Singapore and we have tons of drivers like this over here. Majority of them just hope that you give way to them by changing lanes.
Very well said Sir, and thank you for taking the time to make this very important video!
My first driving lesson, was being tailgated and Instructor told me to indicate then pull over at the first opportunity." Let him go kill someone else".
My Dad was a professional truck driver. He told me and my sisters to always be ready to pull off the road. Either for tailgaters or if there is a line-up of 4 or more cars behind me.
Oh, the first thing I do is flash my headlights (day light) which causes rear lights to flash and people mistake for brakes.
I do use the brakes but just a quick tap. Not enough to even slow me down.
If I do that twice and they still keep tailgating, I give up and get over.
@@veramae4098 yeah, some people are psychopaths and when their behind a steering wheel oh no... better to let them find another stress monkey!.
@@veramae4098 you're a maniac, flashing headlights doesn't engage rear lights, break checking is illegal and supremely dangerous. I pray to god you don't kill someone.
@@ruzziasht349 .. are you sure that the tail light never flash on HIS vehicle when he flashes his head lights. Yeah, I didn't think so.
@@macforme need some help here, can anyone translate this mess of English for me? As I have no idea what this clown is trying and failing to say.
I frequently get tailgated because I always endeavour not to break the speed limit and lots of people seem to want to be able to do that.
My solution is to pull over or slow down and then lower my drivers window, and gently wave them past.
I’ve never had any aggro from this. Some of them seem to be actually quite embarrassed, and then end up driving more slowly.
It’s fantastic because the stress is instantly removed. Another way is to go twice around a roundabout.
Recently, I waved a white van driver past me. He actually flashed his hazard lights to thank me, and then carried on speeding - until he went around a corner to find a police camera van. 🤣
Criminal activities from those whom would claim otherwise.
A 30mph posted speed limit in Florida, really means 70mph. Even in a school zone. These sun drenched lunatics down here don’t care.
I would have enjoyed seeing them encountering the police cam.
Here in the states, we wave with one finger.
don't forget blind, drunk and wrinkled 😊 @@laurenurban3942
Thanks for this video m8. I'm glad there are people like you putting time into sharing information like this
Good advice. I worked this out a long time ago. Although I have to say it's a long time since I was last seriously tailgated.
This chap seems to be an above average driving instructor. Too many of them are more interested in 'progress' than safety, especially for people outside the cars.
I find going slower and being extra careful in such a situation has the added benefit that all the aggro tailgaters will just try to overtake you. Fastest way to get rid of them.
Up until they brake check you right afterwards. If you don’t have solid video proof you‘re gonna be at fault.
Ah, so you're a roadrager who likes to cause nuisance and danger, then double down and make it even worse to show just how entitled you are.
Didn't work for me - they sped up and did the same thing to me. So I showed them my phone and they took off.
Use your wind shield washers. 4 second blast usually slows them a bit.Driving a Police cruiser helps(panther platform). People slow down for some reason. Not sure why.
@@maxprilmuller9461 Slow down further to keep far enough away you have time to brake. You should never be close enough to hit a car driving in front of you. Most accidents are caused by people following others too closely.
Just passed my test today first time. Your videos have been a godsend. Thank you so much 🎉
Congratulations. I wish you safe miles. Just be aware of tailgaters.
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Congratulations drive safe and be mindful of morons on the road
Stay away from trucks.
Drive defensively
This is a great video. I've been driving for nearly three decades and I learned some things watching this. Thank you for instructing and sharing.
Years ago, my mate used to inject RedeX direct into the carburettor, that fixed tailgaters instantly, sorry Greta
(Injection was via windscreen washer hose and an oil can)
Ah, the Mario Kart Squid Technique.
In the states, people get really aggressive with tailgating on the highways, and most chronic tailgaters are watching for brake checks. I just let off the throttle and slow down a fair bit. It usually angers them more than brake checks, but when there is space they get over and pass. Also in most US states, when someone hits you from behind, they are automatically at fault and cited for following too closely... not that that deters the tailgaters.
In the Netherlands the same. If you hit someone from behind, it means you have been tailgating or have not been paying attention and it's your fault.
@@HANSMKAMP
Lol, that's BS. Criminal intent overrides liability. You brakecheck because you're lanehogging or driving dangerously slow but are too entitled to let people pass, you pay the full damages.
It's also a crime, you can get convicted for it. Any injuries you cause in the other driver means you'll be further charged with assault.
Commonly, brakecheckers and slow-drivers get the EMG, a mandatory driver improvement course.
right. but you still have an accident to deal with if they hit you. If you're vehicle isn't totaled its at the least gonna be out of commission for awhile. I do the same though. I don't brake but I do continue to slow to slightly under the limit and that generally frustrates them enough to pass at first opportunity.
@nvelsen1975 If I don't tailgate, I can deal with lanehoggers and brakecheckers. I can see from a distance what they are doing.
And about slow driving? Is that: obeying the maximum speed and the tailgater thinks I can ignore that. It's not him but me myself, that decide how fast I drive. Not other people's business.
@@HANSMKAMP
Yes, it's quite clear that you're one of those anti-socials who feels entitled to dictate to other people how fast you allow them to drive.
Which is why you are the problem and should not hold a driving license.
Most motorway accidents in the Netherlands are caused by people like you.
Did you see the fire near Amersfoort yesterday? It was a trucker like you, sitting illegally in the lane, screaming "I'm entitled!!" and now 4 people are injured.
Happy to hear "slow down" because that's what I do. The tailgaters usually go around me, speed up and have to stop at the red light ahead. I come up behind them and laugh at them.😂
They could have gotten through the intersection if you didn't retard their travels.
Exactly what I do....
@@johngardiner2279 Once on the way to church a speeder zoomed past me as soon as another lane was available. When I caught up, a cop was writing the driver a ticket. Delighted, I told the priest when I arrived, "I know I shouldn't rejoice in another's misfortune, but....". He laughed, too!
If some guy is tailgating me for no reason as in he can't go anywhere because there's multiple cars in front as well I usually mess with them. I catch up a little bit with the car in front then I leave off the accelerator to slow down instead of brake warning them so they have to keep braking. It's kinda something I do anyway. I mean I only use my brakes when I really need to anyway. Just messing with them really
Love them, gear down, and I almost stand. They, get the P into the pants and squeeek the rubber. I relax, they don‘t. If they pass, they have to speed a lot, as I have a good feeling of traffic flow, I know it only takes 2-3 stretches and I have passed them fluently without stress and within legal boundaries and they need another 2-3 to catchup and tailgait again. Losers, just losers. Even with the biggest power they are unable to move on, unless they throw all rules over and cross lines, lights, anything. So let them, multi-breaking traffic rules.
I like this instructor. I think the best advice is to increase your safety gap / bubble with the vehicle in front. The reason being that IF, as our friend suggests, the vehicle in front has to stop suddenly
, you have more time to slow down without the person behind ramming you.
I've been on the road now 49 years , taken several occupational licences and can tell you the best way to deal with these losers is to simply drive within the speed limit and totally ignore them.
If you're easily intimidated behind the wheel you should question your own abilities and ask yourself should you actually be on the road as you are likely to make a bad decision and cause an accident.
If you concentrate on your own driving you'll be absolutely fine , enjoy your journey and survive to enjoy the next one....those that drive badly will eventually pick up the tickets and lose their licence so leave them to it , it's worked for me and having enjoyed driving cars , coaches , HGV's and motorcycles still have a clean licence.
It's not about being easily intimidated, it's about your safety. Ignoring them staying 1 meter behind your car and you have an animal running onto the road, it will be bad for you, worse than for the one who is tailgating you. Getting hit from behind is worse.
My tip is to apply windscreen wash. It's surprisingly effective when it lands on their windscreen and causes their wipers to go off. If they're the 'harmless' type of tailgater they usually pull back.
Works well on motorcyclists that follow too close as well 😂
@@tony78uk48 that puts their lives in danger, I hope your joking
@steve00alt70 Motorcycles have to safely deal with rain, but don't usually crash
@@steve00alt70 Not my problem.
You’re right. Just occasionally, I use the rear screen wash which my car has. It works quite well (both for cleaning the dirt and widening the gap behind), especially if they don’t like the smell of the stuff used in cold weather!
Traffic flow and understanding how different behaviours whilst driving impact traffic flow is a crucial aspect of driving that needs to be taught to all road users.
Back in the '90s I was driving a '68 Viva kept on the road on a budget. No chrome, no bumpers and a side pipe. The motor had done over 168k (when the clock stopped) and the valves ran direct in the head and the 'guides' were worn. So if I was being tailgated at around 60, I'd shut off hard on a downhill, count three and a big plume of blue smoke out of the sidepipe behind the driver's door. They always dropped back.
What an excellent video. You are most evidently a wise and accomplished driver. A couple of times recently I'd considered getting back behind the wheel again, but regrettably had to give up. Being housebound is one of the worst things I must endure.
Thank you for making these. I genuinely believe they should be compulsory viewing for anyone remotely considering driving.
True.
I hope things get better for you and wish you well.
A retired air force captain who piloted Hercules aircraft, gave me a tip that works *every* time l've used it, which is to engage your emergency flashers until it becomes so annoying that the tailgaters back off, then switch the lights off. If they resume, repeat. It's never failed me, and you're not lying when you're indicating that following too closely could result in an emergency.
It is illegal to use emergency flashers when moving except on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of an obstruction or hazard ahead. They can only be used for a short time.
I flash my hazards once to make it look like I have dabbed the breaks, accelerate briefly to increase distance then move over as soon as possible
it's enough to know I have increased their heartbeat for a while
@@barney2633 l leave them on as long as it takes them to back off. In my opinion, having been rear-ended, tailgating constitutes a potential emergency.
Hey from Germany, really great video - relax the situation. I drive old and newer cars regulary, I am a car guy, I have my driver license +15 years now and love every second of driving. My tip for the drivers with newer vehicles with a adaptive cruise control: Turn it on, choose not the closest but the farthest distance and you have a really nice drive. Yea, of course - many cars will cut in front of you, but chill out. You are not losing anything, be adaptive like the adaptive cruise control, be relaxed. Second tip: If you have an appointment, don't get of the house last minute, instead built in a buffer zone with plenty of room. So you can enjoy the ride even more with your favourite driving music or listen to the engine sound if you are car guy / enjoy the sound. :)
And always keep in mind that you are handling a machine that must be handled with care and mindfullness. Physics can not outwitted.
Well said
Losing.
@@user-iv5gy3rc2b Sorry about that and thank you for your correction!
Such sage advice. Wish I had any cruise control at all.
That's a nice idea, but my car thinks you need three business days worth of distance on that setting. 😆
Which would be anti-social to others, so I always set it to closest, which is still well over 2 seconds. The auto-brake feature is excellent too, it's 'cushioned' a bit and takes the approach rate into account.
Not like Teslas that immediatly do extreme panic-braking whenever the computer detects too little of a gap, which is actually very dangerous and a reason not to drive or drive behind a Tesla.
This was really not what I was expecting. Very useful and thought provoking.
😂 i was once tailgated aggressively by a van with a trailer in a road where overtaking was forbidden (all while driving at maximum speed allowed). I proceeded to slow down to the minimum speed of the road and enjoyed the following 3km of the guy remembering all my ancestors… then proceeded to drive faster than him because obviously he had a damn van with a Trailer. Pure joy
How childish of you-grow up.
@@davidworsley7969 hello van driver. What should I have done? As a morally superior human being I’m sure you’re doing to tell me
@@davidworsley7969
Get good at driving
Just want to say that I passed, first attempt today and thank you for your amazing videos. Obviously I had massive help from my instructor too but in between lessons, I watched most of your videos, especially parking related videos and how to deal with nerves and anxiety. Will definitely be recommending your channel to any learners I know!
On a previous car, tailgating got so bad, I actually got a bumper sticker that said "the closer you get, the slower I drive". It cured the problem overnight. You could see people read the sign and back off. The couple of times they didn't immediately get the hint, I gently let off the go pedal, and they responded appropriately.
I've had a few like that. No bumper sticker, but I just ease off the gas, drive slower and keep ONE eye on the tailgater in your rear-view mirror. Watch for their car to dip as they change down, then you smoothly switch the gas and accelerate away while he has to change gear then accelerate to catch you up.
The worst offender I only had to do that twice before he backed off.
YOU are the hole if you behave like that. Get up to at least the speed limit and/or simply get out of the way.
@@hermanschwartz2705 I'm always going 5 mph over the speed limit when I do the same thing. Slow down a little, then speed up a little over the speed limit.
Yes people tailgating me get upset and may refer to me as an A-hole, but that is exactly my intent. 😁
My wife always seems to get tailgated in mornings on her way into town...
I made her a bumper sticker that says "IF YOU'RE ALWAYS LATE, LEAVE TEN MINUTES EARLIER".... It apparently hits home with a few of these Kamikazes around here, she hasn't been tailgated nearly as much lately 😂
This has always been my policy but have never got a sticker telling tailgaters. Good idea. 👍🏻
Been there, done all the wrong things. Now I know better. I do hope drivers watch your video so they can save time. It was nice though a bit scary to drive in the left lane. Good video.
I drove professionally for 14 years and your advice is sound.
I have driven Saabs for years. Recently, I changed to a smaller, older, cheap run around. I have been amazed by the increase in tailgating, bad behaviour and sheer dangerous driving I've experienced since I switched vehicles. Great advice here. Make your own driving safe. A traffic police training officer once told me that if you are really feeling threatened or endangered by a tailgater, the best thing to do is pull over when it's safe to do so, and let them go on their way
I bought a little Suzuki and had the same problem. Sold it after only 6 months and lost 2 grand, and bought a big diesel. That worked. Was it worth it? Yes because I am still alive.
Yeah I pulled over before because a tailgater had their full beam on behind me
Yep. My Yaris was repeatedly "bullied" by big boys who think my car wasn't fit to be in their lane. Issue melted away almost immediately once I got a 4 door saloon.
I second that, my sister's late partner was former highway patrol officer for New South Wales Police Force here in Australia, he said the same thing, just pull over when safe and let them go on their merry way
@koncorde You got bullied into spending money you shouldn't have to spend.
As an Australian, I have always driven to this mantra:
"Don't drive harder, drive smarter."
This is true for any country, and both sides of the traffic direction.
I try to follow the Smith Driving System when on the road, especially the Space Cushion part. I think it would be useful information to put, at least, on the computer test for Ls here in Australia.
Well, maybe it's true for any country, but I'm guessing it _sounds_ better in Australian:
"Don't droyve hahda, droyve smahda!"
Great video. Good tips on how to approach potential hazards. They seem simple but people often forget when they're under stress. The best thing you can do is do everything safely yourself and remove emotions from the equation
Excellent common sense advice given in a beautifully clear way. Thanks 👍
Passed my test last week (second time!) with only one minor fault! After failing my first test I looked to where I could get more tips on driving and your channel was so helpful. So I just want to say thank you. Your videos are so helpful and I can say I likely would’ve failed again if I hadn’t found your channel.
Passing your driving test is the first step to becoming a better driver. You are now a new driver. It takes time to become better and better. Continue your driver education until you master the skill. If you really want to become a great driver, seek out “advanced” and “accident avoidance” driver training courses, in a few years. 1% of drivers find these courses. Congratulations!
I failed my first "road test" years ago in the States (rolled back a little at STOP sign on a hill when engaging the clutch), and was determined to pass my second test.
At the first stop light I came to an older lady stepped off the sidewalk into the cross walk, and even though I had a green light, I slowed down carefully to a full stop and waved her across the street. I could see the testing officer had a big smile on his face out the corner of my eye. Nailed it!
wow. ive had my license for 2 years now and what youre saying is what i actually came up with. i gotta take responsibility for tailgaters. that is just the way it is if i want everyone to stay safe.
you 100% know what you are talking about :)
Excellent! ❤ Sending good vibes from Malaysia where red traffic lights last two minutes in most places, sometimes even more
Thoughtful driving. Observe as far ahead as you can see is good practice so nothing surprises you and you have time to adapt. This could be a mile or more ahead in rolling open countryside where a tractor etc stopped will not surprise you as you come around a bend a few minutes later. Drive smart.
This is part of my New Years resolution. I used to have a bad habit of reacting to tailgaters and performed the first two no-nos which is speeding up to distance myself from them or brake checking as a warning to back off. So far this year, I've only encountered a couple of them and simply didn't react. I just maintained speed and eventually, they turned off somewhere anyway and no longer a problem. That's how I need to be from now on. I've learned that escalating the situation by reacting doesn't get me anywhere. It just gets me angrier and the tailgater angrier. Plus, you don't know who you're going up against especially nowadays. Someone could have a gun, a knife, or they're psychotic enough to try to pull you out of the car and beat the s*** out of you. It's not worth it. As tough as it is to not react, it's the right thing to do.
Some friends of mine lost their son due to road rage. I do the best I can not to become involved in it.
Put your emergency flashers on
@@user-qu7sq4to3i - Nah, in the US, it's often illegal to drive with your emergency flashers on in a non-emergency situation.
@@wickedcabinboyif you are being tailgated that is an emergency. You are alerting others to a dangerous situation and not making the situation more dangerous by braking.
@@brewitbear - I disagree. I do not consider tailgating an emergency. Why would I? The fact is, I'm in control of my vehicle. I make no sudden changes in my driving behavior and let the situation play out as I have already described. I've been tailgated many, many times over the years and only once did I encounter a person trying to escalate, and as soon as he got in front of me I turned off the highway and lost him. No hard braking, no squealing tires, I simply went in a different direction.
As I said, I'm not a timid driver and I keep up with traffic.
Can I point something out? I drive here in the US. One of the worst things that’s causing frustrated tailgating is, “The slow poke, inconsiderate, traffic obstructing, drivers in the LEFT Lane! The Left is designated as the fast lane of traffic! When it is obstructed by drivers, not doing the legal required speed limit, (too slow) and during rush hour traffic at major intersections, causes more accidents, car pile ups, etc.
Irritated, frustrated, drivers making hand signals out the window yelling at them to signal over to the Right Lane of traffic, which is designated for slow traffic!
So, if one wants to openly invite tailgating, unsafe driving, possibly causing a wreck, and defying your driver’s handbook, then go ahead and be a slow poke, do some texting, playing with your phone, while driving in traffic, or you just want to how many drivers behind you that can be upset.
And, that’s another thing! Stay off your Cell Phones! They are passing laws now, because of this. And, stay out of the Left Lane, unless you’re going to speed it up!
The right lane for slow traffic is basically for larger freeways; I will move over, usually, on them. If I am on a main road, and I am not going unusually slowly, they can move around me. While I don't get militant about speed limits, I don't usually like to travel more than about 5 MPH over the speed limit. (I have been told I drive "grandma" . . . no problem there.)
I think the order of the day is drive calmly thus safely and certainly dont allow another’s driving to alter your mental state.
I'm always grateful to tailgaters. They remind me to slow down and drive exceptionally carefully and I take great pleasure in knowing that when I do so I'm helping them be safe too. You're welcome.
😇😏
Excellent advice, thanks!
The real difficulty I have dealing with tailgaters is to not let my anger and frustration get the better of me. I have definitely improved and just tend to do pretty much what was explained in this video but I have learned that getting angry and pissing the tailgater off doesn’t work. Nobody is going to change their behaviour in the face of someone else’s anger. All it does is escalate the situation and that does make it more dangerous. So as difficult as it is, I now just grit my teeth and let it go. I mean, I’ll also have a rant to myself about these idiots on the road but I don’t let it affect my driving, just the selection of angry stompy grrr music blasting out my stereo.
The crap they play on the radio may be winding you up also
@@pmacc3557 oh I can’t listen to the radio. Too much music I don’t like, too much repetition of music I don’t like, too much talking, and definitely too many crappy adverts.
@@VioletDisregard23have u try podcast? It can be chill af
Just realise it's not that serious bro. Literally think that, that you're in the right and they're simply just an asshole, and just relax. Turn your favourite music up, sing a long and chill, ignore the tailgater. After a few minutes they might be gone and that's that. People get into cars and have crazy ego. It's ridiculous. Just relax. Youre in a metal box going from A to B, you're moving your body through space and time, why people lose their minds and get so frustrated or let their ego get the better of them I won't ever know - oh wait, I do know, it's because they're fucking wankers who are unhappy in life and bring that frustration and cuntness to the road like an immature, insecure child.
@@bernardkoey4087 I find music that matches my mood a lot more cathartic and so it actually helps me to calm down more than if I try to put something chill on cos then I just annoyed 🤷♀️
Great advice. After better part of four decades of driving, I finally reached the same conclusion recently as well. Great examples of how to be a good teacher that I will use other areas as well. Thank you. unfortunately, in our area, I think a lot higher percentage of drivers will tailgate and display other aggressive, driving behavior maliciously. Thank you and safe travels
That was excellent advice, well presented 👍
Great video. One thing that helps me if I'm being aggressively tailgated is to flip down my rear view mirror to night-mode so I can't see them as clearly. Eases my mind and takes the pressure off.
I've driven for 60 years now and my policy for tailgaters seems to work:
I make sure I'm driving at the speed limit - sometimes I drive too slow, but after a minute if the guy is tailgating me I start to slow down - not overly aggressive but after a few minutes I'm below the speed limit and I keep doing this and eventually the guy gets the message and backs off.
Never give in to a bully and that's what a tailgater is - a bully - don't feed him.
Good video. In North America the trend is to ultralarge pickup trucks with blackened grills and heavy window tints feeling they own the road. They also typically have obstructed license plates and police enforcement is at a record low. Tribal is a good word that you used.
Oh yeah this is definetly a type of person. Also why the US has soaring pedestrian deaths as well
Good advice. I drive in Los Angeles. On the freeways, tailgating happens a lot. I use my left foot to tap the brakes erratically. Not enough to actuate the brakes, but just the brake lights. This works 100% of the time to back the driver behind you off, no one gets upset. Also, if someone spends too much time in one of my blind spots, I'll use my turn signal to act as though I'm about to change lanes. Because this is Los Angeles, it makes the person in your blind spot speed up and pass 100% of the time.
All well and good advice. One trick I was taught by my instructor years ago is that hazzard ( 4 way blinker) lights can be useful to communicate to a tailgater without risking a break check, or otherwise make an unsafe maneouver. Give them a couple seconds of hazard lights while you maintain ( assuming you cant or don't want to move over). If they dont respond, let off the gas a bit to increase your margins infront, then get back up to your previous speed. They may just get the message. PS. Don't hog the fast lanes... thats an evil on par with tailgating.
Ive been driving for forty years and in that time the traffic seems to have doubled and because the standard of driving is so bad now in the uk and i do include my own from time to time,ive decided to watch these type of videos and i find them calming i have started to leave more space between me and the cars in front so cheers buddy.
I live in Italy and this is a big issue.. people hate it when you leave a bigger gap in front of you but it's the safer thing to do.
My Italian friend from Naples leaves a gap of about half a meter. I avoid being driven by him as it’s absolutely terrifying. But that’s the way people drive in southern Italy so he doesn’t see a problem.
Same here in Portugal - strange how usually polite people completely change when behind the wheel of a car.
@@admangoe Ah Naples, it's so much worse there. I find it's worse also depending on what car I'm in. If I'm in my wife's Mini Countryman (sensible car) - not too bad. When I drive my red Alfa Romeo - all the time.. but at least there's hardly any road rage. Just some hand-waving and personal accusations..
Whilst I agree, you don't need to leave a huge gap. I've seen some people in traffic leave literally a 50 metre gap to the car in front, or when in town traffic they leave a massive gap... a gap big enough for an emergency vehicle is perfectly sufficient, but 50 metre gap is ridiculous.... are they expecting several helicopters to land in front of them?
@@admangoe Bro, I saw many things in Naples 😂. And I was there only for 3 days....
Thank you for this video. I live in the US. We have so many aggressive drivers here. I wish we had more traffic police to catch people when they are driving dangerously. I hope that your video finds someone that changes their mind and decides to drive in a safer more compassionate way. We are all in this together folks. Let's keep everyone safe and be kind to your neighbors and fellow humans.
46 years as a qualified driver and I find I do pretty much what you suggest in this video. Makes me feel better about driving like I SHOULD, rather than how others WANT me to drive. I know lots of things in the driving test have changed over the years and I saw your video of the guy who asked you to take him out on 'test' to assess his driving. I have been thinking of booking a driving instructor to do with me, what you did with him. Be interesting to see how I do.
I'm from Spain but I've been driving in the UK for more than 10 years. I've driven in other countries like France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, etc. It's true that in Belgium or Italy they drive quite dangerously in comparison to the UK or Spain, but in the UK I feel I've seen the most tailgaters of all, but Belgium is there as well. It's so stupid to tailgate: You're putting everyone else in danger and you're not going to arrive earlier. I don't know what people have in their brains... What I do normally is to lower the speed and, depending on the situation, use the warning lights, if it's really dangerous.
They usually do it only to go faster and just pass you in the first chance they have. But until they have that chance they'll keep tailgating
In my country, they all (but a small amount of people who really hurry, arrive quickly, pass and go on) arrive at my tail (I do not drive slowly, but I don't drive fast accelerating cars - Skoda Favorit, Felicia and Fiat Panda) and then just seem happy to sit the entire journey 2cm from my tail. Even if the road is straight ahead and miles clean, they don't overtake. What I do is take my foot off the throttle pedal, so I begin to slow down gently but continuously, which eventually pisses them off and forces them to overtake, but usually only after my car slows down to around 30kph before they decide to overtake, which in my mind tells me that they don't really want to overtake, but just annoy other people who are peacefully going about their business of driving. I also have a bigger Lancia Lybra which has the VVT engine and a great suspension and when I drive that, I drive quite faster, but never would I tailgate somebody without overtaking at the first possible chance. Because if I do hurry, I don't have the time to annoy people by tailgating them. But world seems to be upside down these days... @@albertnoble2727
@@AlejjSi Some do it to intimidate you and make you get out of their way. Their problem is if they do that to a troll like me I will try my best to annoy them. Especially if I am on the freeway and I drive at the speed limit or over it usually, and they try to make me go to the right lane and brake for them to pass.....when that happens usually my turbine temporarily fails.....
Belguim is the worst, I think. They are always angry🤬🤬. Kind regards from the Netherlands🇳🇱
Yes, I think that is so. But if they want to compensate their failing or small D by tailgaiting me in their Skoda Kodiaqs or Octavias that they would barely be driving if it wasn't a company car, then I don't give a sh!t about that. 😀@@pogonarugeorge3504
Passed my test today first time with 1 minor. Took me 3 months to learn from scratch until passing. Your videos have really helped me understand the manoeuvres and general rules of the road. Thank you Richard!
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Here in the states one's DL test doesn't even leave the testing site's parking lot! They don't test for parallel parking or parking on an incline at all, either. And it shows. People here in the states cannot drive for shit!
Impatient people cause accidents.
Useful video. One hint a friend gave me about 15 years ago was to tap the rear view mirror (it only works during daylight hours, of course!). I only use this technique perhaps once a year, as I don't suffer from tailgating often, but the trick seems to be effective.
Totally agree with this, always mitigate the risk. Additionally I double my breaking distances, i.e. distance to cars in front. As you say, sometimes they get it and back off slightly allowing things to revert to normal, but most don't and require additional observation. You end up driving for them effectively. Equally if I see erratic behaviour of the driver in front I back off further to observe, making the assumption they are on their phone and likely to have a head on any second.
You ARE the risk if you are being tailgated. We do it for a reason...that reason is because YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DRIVE.
@@hermanschwartz2705 you can be doing 80 on the motorway and be tail gated. You can be in traffic and be tail gated. Is your point that when you tail gate someone they should all pull over? Stop being a troll
My personal strat for tailgate stopping: flick the hazard lights on. Safer than brake checking (no change in velocity), draws _other drivers' attention_ to _both you and the tailgater_ (for witnesses, at minimum), and zero effort on my part to keep it going until they back off or go around. And the best way to slow down slowly... coast, don't brake.
Also, the part about "why people tailgate", and how it's "rare" that they're doing it specifically to intimidate a targeted individual... that's wrong, in my area at least. Seattle drivers _go out of their way_ to single out other drivers as "today's /r/FuckYouInParticular victim", even going out of their way to _pursue_ them off a freeway exit and right back onto the freeway. Dashcams are as necessary here as they are for Russian drivers.
I was tormented by a young man driver once on a narrow country road. He was tailgating me very close, i pulled off the road to let him go by and when I got back on the road he was there in front of me going slow. He did it several times. Then I happened to see a police car and flagged it down. The policeman didn't take me seriously and he just told me to pull off the road when other's want to pass..
There seem to be a lot more sociopaths around these days.
I started keeping a large distance and I made it much better for the folks behind me. It really does keep stop and go to a minimum.
Once had a tailgater attempt to pass me on a blind right curve (in the US) when we both were startled by an oncoming car. I hit my brakes hard but the tailgater hit his brakes harder and tucked back into our lane behind me. He stayed well back for the remainder of our time on the highway--no more tailgating. Thank God no one was hurt by his reckless behavior!
passed in Colcehester town, gotta say your videos gave me a lot of confidence around the roads and even learning a few things my instructor missed out on. to anyone reading this who hasn't passed go back and watch a few of Richards videos they will 105% help you
Hi folks, I complained a bit about the undertaking lesson but this is good stuff. I tried slowing and on some occasions found that 'white van man' just drove closer. The best thing seems to be pull over safely and let them pass. I often find that faced with dealing with the road ahead all by themselves they have to slow down.
Brake checking is also illegal in Australia. Unfortunately if you do this you will get the fine and not the tailgater.
Didn't know that.
Most vids in this category are rubbish but this is considered and useful. I know I can't change a tailgater's behavior to end the problem, but know I am in charge of my own behavior. I follow your example of driving according to the added risk. If it persists I pull over safely until they pass and problem solved. Having this strategy as a go-to I am never stressed, resentful or judgmental.
I learned the four-second rule in driving school and it's served me well. When the car in front of you passes something like a telephone pole or whatever, you should be able to count to four before you pass it. One thousand One, one thousand two etc. You have ample time to break, This makes your driving much less stressful, and safer. As for tailgaters, I just drive slower.
The slower you go for a tailgater that’s less of a chance of them causing a serious accident. if you keep going faster for them the chances of a crash greatly increase and so do the chances of the tailgater running you off the road. Go slower for them…this way they get the message to go around. That is, if you’re doing at least the posted speed limit. If you’re going really slow you probably shouldn’t be driving.
I was told 2 second rule by my driving instructor, and the way to measure it is the time it takes to say "only a fool breaks the two second rule" (using lampposts or whatever markers, as you say).
2 second gap should be ample in good weather increase in bad weather and/or visibility. It is hard enough to keep a 2 second gap on a motorway, lol.
@@imogenscott9879I agree. At least 2 seconds in the dry. At least 4 in the wet
I shifted from counting to judging by my attention. There's a point where the vehicle in front is no longer the prime focus - it's just part of the surrounding traffic. If I find myself watching the vehicle in front, I ease back. It's usually 4-5 seconds behind but with bigger vehicles in front it can be bigger. I find it helps me make better lane choices because I have the big picture.
Which location are you driving in? It looks a little like Colchester. I haven't lived there for 45 years, so I don't recognize much of it. The barracks at the end looked like Meanee Barracks on the Mersea Rd.
i’ve had about 25 hours of driving now and almost every lesson there’s people that love to tailgate me even if i’m at the speed limit. i’m gradually getting used to it (even though i shouldn’t have to) so thanks for the advice ^^
Great tips. I like how you took the time to go over the mind set of both drivers in the scenario. Taking the time to understand the situation is key. We all need to have better situational awareness, especially on the road.
Excellent insight. One extra thing I do a couple of times a year is pulling over to let a tailgater past. For example on a NSL country lane in the dark and rain. If I'm doing 50-60 and they're really close with headlights on it can get just too distracting for me, so I will pull over on a straight or pull into a side turning to get them past.
Great video. I hope you can do one on dealing with tailgaters on free flowing but busy urban motorways. I can't safely move over, I'm already going five over the speed limit, and I'm pretty close to the car ahead. Plus I should not have to reward intimidating behavior, intended or not.
Good series of suggestions from this rather excellent driving instructor. I would say in addition, that one's first reaction should be to consider if you yourself are doing anything that would annoy other road users, and if so put an end to it. If necessary pull over to let them pass. If they look aggressive, one very good technique is to take your foot off the accelerator and let the speed drift down for a while, before coming back up to road speed again. But do NOT be tempted to brake, that is highly counter productive, and may put you on the wrong side of the law. You may find it practical to simply speed up somewhat, that solves many a situation in practice.
I'm always glad to see a roundabout coming when I am being tailgated, as it means I can get behind my tailgater by simply doing an extra lap around the roundabout.
Americans don't understand how a roundabout works. The tailgater would just stay behind you!
@@lrich8181well I am American, and maybe there is something I don't understand about how roundabouts work outside of North America. But here in the US I have never had to take more than a single extra lap to lose a tailgater. I think that after the third or fourth lap I might start to call the police.
I had this rare experience a while ago, when a car in front of me was driven at exactly my referred pace. We drove on for a while and I realized that we mainly encounter the ones whose preferred speed differs from our own. The more we differ, the more likely we run into them, until we feel that the roads are full of slugs in front of us and bloody maniacs coming from behind. There may be plenty of sensible people driving the same direction, and we hardly ever meet them.
Sensible people go 4 over the speed limit :D
Fifty years ago - before I discovered and adopted Defensive Driving - I had a tailgating encounter that turned out badly for the tailgater.
I was driving in the country (with a 60 mph speed limit) in a Series I Landrover; it had old railway line sections for front and rear bumpers.
I had been tailgated for a couple of miles by a young eejit in a Ford Falcon (think Granada if you’re British). I had given him plenty of warnings (hand signals and brake light flashes), but his reaction each time was to back off a little before advancing again at a threatening speed.
We were approaching the edge of a town and a 35 mph limit, so I got more demonstrative with my hand signals and brake-light flashing. No worthwhile effect.
I next sped up a tad (to about 50 mph), at which the tailgater also accelerated. As we were by then inside the 35 mph speed zone, I decided to put a stop to the nonsense. I hit the brakes *hard* just as the tailgater was accelerating toward my rear.
The Ford driver had no hope of avoiding a collision with my railway-line bumper. He hit not once, not twice, but *thrice* and seriously reshaped his Ford’s front end.
My heavy-duty bumper went through the Ford’s grille, through the radiator, and into the fan, all of which became scrap metal. Damage to Landy: some paint scratched off the bumper.
I then asked a spectating resident to call the police for me (no mobile phones back then). When the cops arrived, they asked the Ford driver to get out of his car. Which he did - and promptly fell on his face. The fool was drunk as a skunk!
It came to light that he was not only drunk, but already disqualified from driving because of previous multiple drunk-driving offences. Not only did he wreck his car (it was judged a write-off), but ended up in jail for three months and was hit with a 5-year driving ban and a $750 fine (about eight weeks’ wages then).
My actions might not have been ideal, but at least I put a fool off the road for a while.
Would I react similarly today? Nope.
I enjoyed reading that adventure.
Thanks for this video. Greetings from Ocean City Maryland USA
I feel like the last point he made about how some tailgaters get pleasure from intimidation is true especially here in America, where most everyone drives a very large vehicle, and love to intimidate people like me who are driving normal sized sub-compact cars. I've had multiple people who I'll move into the right lane for to give them room to pass, and they'll move into my lane and continue to tailgate me seemingly for fun.
They sound like real pricks...
I had someone doing that. They thought they were being clever. What I didn't know was that one of my workers had done a poor job of securing an extension cord. What the other driver didn't know was what happens to a tire that is driven over a moving cable. I lost most of a $100 extension cord (10g). The other driver lost two tires. After his tire blew I noticed the extension cord and took the next exit. I had to make a loop back and that's when I saw that he had lost both tires on the driver's side. I check external loads more carefully now. No clue what the other driver learned.
Tell me about it I drive a Kia Soul one of the smallest vehicles in the states. I drive one of these because of economics.
I call them bullies. I hit the shoulder to let them by. A few times if we get stuck at a light I’ve actually been flipped off for letting them go by. They’re actually insulted by the fact that my getting out of their way is by proxy telling them they have bad driving habits.
Those people driving over sized SUVs and trucks are the worst and the most dangerous.
Tailgaters don't upset or stress me. If they run into the back of me they are fully responsible for the accident. I don't slow down or brake check them, I just pretend they aren't there.
There are more things up front that you need to concentrate on. Just like life, look forwards, not backwards.
You won't like your injuries after a hit from the back at 50mph. Usually the one hitting you has far less injuries in such a situation.
Good how-to, well presented. I practise British sang froid and ignore the smegma-brain tailgating me. If anything I slow down slightly...it invariably works .
Best thing I've found is to have a big trailer hitch that protrudes significantly. That, combined with a brake light check seems to work well.
This is a very nice video. Great advice: choose safety! If the tailgating occurs in an aggressive and even angry way, it may be wise to find an "excuse" to briefly pull off the road into a safe place, as soon as possible. Gas stations, shopping plazas, and other common locations would work to let the tailgater pass you. Pretend the tailgater doesn't exist by not looking in his or her direction to minimize escalating the driver's anger while maximizing your safety. And then resume your car trip. Consider the following alternatives to driving: avoid driving when traffic is heavy; use public transportation; use a ride share; ride a bike; car pool; make fewer car trips; and walk.
Tailgaters are why every car should come standard with eight rotating 50mm tailpipes😂
why should someone have to ride public transport and change their way of life because an arsehole is tailgating??
@@1fnjo790 - Trailor hitches are good too.
I now teach a lot of Full Licence Holders. I’d say 90% of them don’t know the 2 second rule, most say 2 car lengths. 2 car lengths is fine at 15mph as stopping distance at 20mph is 3 car lengths.
That and a combination of most of them not knowing correct speed limits adds upto tailgating.
In my opinion two seconds is too little. You need at least a second just to see what is happening and start reacting to it. That would leave just one second for actually braking. I always practice at least three second at lower speeds (30-50 kph) and at least four seconds at higher speeds (70-80 kph). Thats the absolute minimum in my opinion. This also allows me to just release the gas pedal if the car in front is showing down. I rarely have to use the brakes when I allow enough space between myself and the car in front of me. Some times I only touch the brake pedal to turn the lights on, letting the tailgater behind me know that I am ever so slightly slowing down 😁
@@eivindvh87 I agree so much with you, I do the same. I did not agree with the 2 seconds. that is not enough. I do exactly your numbers 4 seconds.
In Australia (specifically NSW), the rule is at least 3 seconds in dry conditions and 4 seconds in wet conditions
When you have enough experience then you don't need to use any x seconds rules. I always relied a lot on engine breaking, but recently I got a Mazda 6 with a super capacitor that recovers kinetic energy by putting additional load on the engine to charge it. Now, that is engine breaking! I barely use breaks these days, mostly to signal breaking or to completely stop.
@@pavel9652 your post is totally irrelevant to the reason for sufficient distance. 'engine braking' doesn't use some magical force to slow you down, your tires STILL have the same grip as with your regular brakes. "when you have enough experience, you realize that ALL of the road regulations are WRITTEN IN BLOOD."
If someone is tailgating me and I am keeping up with the speed in my lane I like to turn my windshield wiper washer on and it usually sprays over my car at onto the windshield and hood of the tailgater behind me. They usually back off. It’s especially helpful when the tailgater is driving a shiny, clean BMW.
Rear fog lights are pretty rare in Australia, or at least used to be. A quick flick used to confuse tailgaters, especially when combined with gentle acceleration.
Agreed all your points, well made. I've held a professional (PSV/PCV) all types licence for 57 years now, so may I make one point you didn't?
I always observe speed limits and tailgating me in my car I find mildly annoying and intimidating.
My solution: pull over and stop, as soon as it is safe to do so, so as to let the 'car in a hurry' get past you and get going. That takes away the risks, ends my stress and probably theirs (unless they like 'hounding' cars in front, as you've suggested).