One of the most common yet dangerous situations on the road is tailgating. For those unfamiliar, this occurs when a vehicle follows too closely behind another, which can lead to accidents and increased tension for both drivers. For the driver being tailgated, it introduces a sense of pressure and unease, knowing that should they need to brake suddenly, the vehicle behind might not have enough time to stop, leading to a collision.
Common Mistakes in Dealing with Tailgating
When faced with a tailgate, drivers often resort to methods that can escalate the situation rather than resolve it. Some attempt to speed up, believing that if they increase their pace, the vehicle behind will back off. However, this only results in the tailgater continuing to follow closely, now at a higher speed, putting both drivers in even greater danger.
Others might try to signal the tailgater to back off through hand gestures, brake-checking, or using mirrors. Brake-checking – applying the brakes abruptly to shock the driver behind – is particularly problematic. Not only can it startle the tailgater, but it also risks an accident. Moreover, these actions can be perceived as confrontational, potentially worsening the situation.
Why Tailgating Happens
Understanding the motivations behind tailgating can help in managing the problem more effectively. There are several reasons why drivers tailgate:
- Lack of Awareness: Many drivers don’t realise the risk they’re creating. They may have been lucky in the past, managing to stop just in time in previous instances, but this overconfidence can lead to disaster.
- Impatience: Some drivers are simply in a hurry and believe that by following closely, they can encourage the vehicle in front to speed up or move out of the way. However, this often leads to frustration without yielding the desired results.
- Lack of Confidence: Less experienced or nervous drivers might feel compelled to follow closely, believing it’s essential to keep up with traffic or avoid being overtaken.
- Control and Aggression: In rare cases, some drivers use tailgating as a way to intimidate or control other road users, enjoying the sense of power it gives them.
- Space Anxiety: A common explanation given by drivers is the desire to avoid letting other vehicles cut in front of them. This mindset sees lane changes as queue jumping, but it fails to consider the fluid nature of traffic and the necessity of changing lanes.
Effective Solutions for Dealing with Tailgating
Attempting to teach a tailgater a lesson is a futile exercise. The reality is that you cannot control the behaviour of every driver on the road. Instead, your focus should be on making the situation safer for yourself and those around you.
- Slow Down Gradually: If you’re being tailgated, ease off the accelerator and create more space between you and the vehicle in front. This provides additional stopping time and reduces the likelihood of sudden braking.
- Avoid Staring at the Mirror: Constantly checking the vehicle behind won’t help. It can cause you to lose focus on the road ahead, increasing the chance of sudden stops. Be aware of the tailgater, but keep your attention on the road in front.
- Brake Early and Gently: When approaching junctions, hazards, or slower traffic, begin braking earlier than usual. This allows the tailgater more time to react and reduces the chance of abrupt braking.
- Don’t Engage: Resist the urge to make hand signals or attempt to communicate with the tailgater. Engaging with them could lead to an escalation of aggression or dangerous overtaking.
- Create a Buffer: If you’re on a multi-lane road, and it’s safe to do so, consider moving over and letting the tailgater pass. This may reduce the tension and make the journey safer for both of you.
Tailgating and Traffic Flow
Interestingly, tailgating not only increases the risk of accidents but also contributes to traffic congestion. When one car brakes hard, the following car must brake even harder, and this effect can cascade down a line of traffic, eventually bringing vehicles to a halt. By maintaining a safe following distance, drivers can reduce the need for sudden braking, keeping traffic moving more smoothly.
In conclusion, while tailgating can be frustrating and dangerous, how you respond to it can make a significant difference. Focus on creating a safe driving environment by slowing down gently, avoiding confrontation, and maintaining a calm mindset. You can’t control other drivers, but you can control how you react to them.