When you’re driving, one of the things that might get on your nerves is seeing another driver travel too closely behind you. You can’t control what other drivers do, but it can be frustrating to see that they’re so close to you that a sudden stop will end up putting you both in harm’s way.
It is possible for you to take some evasive measures to avoid a rear-end collision. These aren’t foolproof, but they could help you evade a collision or minimize the damage if a crash does occur.
- Slow down over time
One of the best things you can do if someone is tailgating you is to make sure you slow down over time. By slowing down over time, you don’t surprise them with a sudden stop that they might not be ready for or far enough away to handle.
- Slow down, put your hazard lights on and let them pass
Another thing you could do is put your hazard lights on and let the other party pass you in a passing area. If you show them that there is a reason for you slowing down and that you’re aware that they’re behind you, they may take the moment to pass your vehicle rather than continuing to travel closely behind you. If this isn’t a passing area but you do have a berm or shoulder to pull into, consider pulling over to allow them to pass.
- In emergencies, call 911
If you have a passenger in your vehicle who can call the police, or if you have one-touch dialing, consider calling 911 or the local police station. Give them your location and license plate number. Tell them that the other party is tailgating you dangerously. Usually, an officer will be able to approach and, if the other party is breaking the law, pull them over to get them off your tail.
These are a few options if you’re dealing with a tailgater. Tailgating can create a dangerous situation, so it’s important to do all you can to avoid tailgaters and to report them when they’re creating a hazard.