What Is Tailgating?
Tailgating, or following the vehicle in front too close, is a form of careless driving which could land you a fine or worse – a ban. Not only is it dangerous for all involved, it can cause stress and anxiety for the driver being followed.
For information on Safe Following and Stopping Distances, please click here.
What Actions To Take When Tailgated?
Firstly, remain calm; there is no need to panic or feel under pressure. Some drivers don’t even realise that they are tailgating – they may be in a rush, worried or stressed. Your job is not to react with anger or frustration, but to respond with model driving skills.
Assess Your Speed
Rule 146: “….do not treat the speed limit as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit”, however driving too slow can hold up traffic and cause frustration amongst other drivers. It is worth noting that you could fail your test by driving consistently under the speed limit when it is not necessary.
If you are driving well below the speed limit for the road and traffic conditions, this could be the reason why the driver behind has caught up and is tailgating. Aim to progressively increase your speed in line with the limit.
Are you driving at or near the maximum speed limit for the road and conditions? If that is the case and you are being tailgated, safety comes first: slow down gently, ensuring you increase or even double the stopping distance between yours and the vehicle in front if there is one. Doing this, ensure there is a good safety margin should the vehicle in front of you emergency stop. You also need to be prepared for another vehicle moving in the space you have created in front. Reducing your speed below the speed limit will also minimise the damages should there be a collision.
Speeding up as a response to tailgating is a natural, instinctive response, however it is important to remain in control of our actions in order to reach the best possible outcome; the chances are that a tailgater will still close in on you, making this an even more dangerous situation should you need to stop in an emergency.
Signal Earlier Than Usual
Indicate and use your brake light as early as possible to give the culprit enough time to react.
Pull Up To The Left.
In extreme cases, it is much safer pulling up somewhere safe and letting the tailgater pass; you are safer and have more control once he is in front.
Breathe, Assess, Respond Calmly and Keep everyone Safe!
Rule 126, 144, 146, 147, 151