Some studies have estimated that following too closely is a factor in about 40 percent of collisions. It should go without saying that tailgating is not wise. Let's break down the problems with tailgating. 1. If you are following too closely, you are less able see conditions on the road ahead.
2. Because you can't see ahead, this slows your reaction time.
3. Because you are too close, you have less space to respond if there is a problem.
4. It's likely that tailgaters are impatient and in a hurry. People in this frame of mind tend to make bad decisions.
So it's a threefold problem:- worse vision
- slower reaction time
- less space to respond
Add a person who is likely to make bad decisions anyway and it's not a good mix of ingredients. What to do when you are being tailgatedChances are the person behind you is a bad driver; good drivers don't tailgate. You know you're in a dangerous situation, and it's important that you get them safely off your bumper.Here are some Do's and Don'ts: 1. DO create more space between you and the car in front of you. This, at least, gives you more time to respond if something happens in front of you.
2. DO find a way to get the tailgater to pass. If you're on a multilane highway, change lanes. If you're not, slow down slightly below the normal flow so that it's easier for them to pass. It's annoying, but let them pass, it's really what you want.
3. DON'T tap your brakes to warn the tailgater. Even if it does work to get them off your back, they may be less likely to pay attention to your brake lights the next time, which is a hazard if an actual incident were to occur.
4. DON'T slam your brakes to teach them a lesson. It's dangerous for you and your passengers, as well as all of the other cars near you. And, it's possible that you may escalate a minor annoyance into a road rage incident.
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