Driving and being tailgated

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

You're in your car and notice in the rear view mirror that someones tail gating you, can't see anything other than a couple of really bright headlights in your mirror as they seem to be really close behind you, what would you do?

I've been looking at sites like Safe Speed to see what they advice but what would you do as they're far too close so you've got to make a decision right then without time to dwell on it.

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Accelerate a bit and see if they keep up, if they do, then pull in a bit to the left.

Although I think you're supposed to slow down so you can take longer to brake if the car in front stops.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

From experience I would stick to the speed limit. Worst bits of tailgating I have suffered from were police cars (Hampshire).

All the best

Keith
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byke95 · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Karma :

I think the official line is to increase your own braking distance as much as possible.

Tailgating is a strange one, many people do not know they are doing it. My brother is one example, he does not want to overtake or speed but just seems to be sucked in like a magnet to the rear end of the other car.

yambabe · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I wouldn't do anything, I would continue at the speed I wished to travel whilst maintaining my own braking distance from the vehicle in front. Whilst I am aware of the idiot behind, I am not going to let him affect my own safe driving.
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numark1 · Scared of girls Joined: 09 May 2004 Karma :

Brake hard!!!!!

Do that once and they never tail you again. Laughing

Although i only do it if im the only person in the car incase of an accident but it really infuriates me.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

i find sitting close behind cars at times. then realise how close i am and drop off abit. Embarassed

as bkye95 said you increase your overall braking distance, so if something does happen you have enough time to break slower than usual given the idiot behind you time to react aswell

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Karma :

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Slow down.

Start tapping the brakes randomly.

Generally hope they rear end me and eat towbar.

But then, I'm a cock.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

karen_moomin · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Karma :

I usually brake sharply a couple of times to warn them off. It's only turned into full-blown road rage a couple of times, as they usually get the message.

Sometimes it's a case of making them realise that if you had to stop suddenly, they'd be in trouble.

Katie · Spanner Monkey Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Karma :

I would increase my braking distance, and pretty much try my best to concentrate on the rest of the road. I hate it when you have to stop on a hill in traffic and the car behind gets so far up your arse you cn taste his bloody number plate. No room for a little bit of roll back should you make a mistake and do it. Grr!
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Slowing down or braking can get you into trouble... Confused

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John C · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2005 Karma :

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

When in this situation do as I do, blat it up the road until I could hardly see them, turn around and head the other way, at top end.
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m99dws · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2004 Karma :

If you are being tailgated, you are going too slow Razz

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Pull over when you can, for your sake, not theirs. In a layby of course.

They're in and out of your life within a couple of seconds, do any stupid move and they'll be in your life a whole lot longer. (If an accident happens or it turns violent)

EDIT - Wait a minute, when are you going to get a bike?????

Philwild · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Karma :

I had some c**t in a 55 reg Range Rover tailgaiting me in the New Forest the other day.

He was so close all I could see in the mirror was RANGE ROVER printed along the front of the bonnet.

The New Forest is a 40 limit so I just slowed down gradually until i was doing about 25mph and as we were approaching a blind bend he decided to overtake so I put my foot down and didn't let him get past.

This didn't deter him and by this time I was getting furious so I gave him a proper brake test (50 grand Range Rover against my £500 325i) . Funny as f**k seeing the front of the RR dip as he slammed the brakes on and steered towards the verge.

Even funnier seeing in the mirror his Mrs giving him a proper telling off for driving like a t**t. After that he was obeying the 2 second rule as if he was on his driving test!!

What is it with Range Rover drivers?? A** Holes!

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

I have a pair of 200w spot lights under the rear bumper of my pick up. I find turning them on usually gets the point across..

Dan 4RR · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

I would carry on driving at speed limit and wouldn't endanger myself just because someone is driving to close.

Hex · Party Boy Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

owdamer · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Karma :

TL666 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2005 Karma :

I wouldn't really recommend it but you could brake hard with your handbrake so the brake lights don't come on. Probably only worth doing if your vehicle's quite a bit bigger than theirs.

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

I do a Bendy and slow down hoping they go into the back of the car and hit the lovely tow bar.

I'm a cock too.
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