Not only is it extremely annoying, but tailgating is also very dangerous.
This is a term for when the vehicle behind you drives way too close to your vehicle.
“Tailgating is considered high-risk driving because it does not allow enough reaction time if something happens to the car in front of you.
“Driving too closely behind another car is one of the main causes of rear-end crashes,” says Barend Smit, marketing director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions and car insurance options.
A safe following distance is usually about two to three seconds, or having two to three car-lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If the roads are wet, increase this gap.
“If the car in front of you suddenly brakes, a safe following distance gives your brain enough time to register the incident, and time for your body to react and ultimately, for your car to respond. If you are tailgating, you might not be able to stop in time,” explains Smit.
Smit says there are two types of tailgaters: deliberate and passive.
Bullying tactic
Deliberate tailgaters use this as a bullying tactic, to intimidate you and to get you to move out of their way as quickly as possible. They are usually aggressive drivers.
“With road rage a real concern on our roads, your safest option is to take a deep breath and to move out of the way as quickly as possible. As tempting as it might be, do not provoke the tailgater and just let him go. Drive defensively, not aggressively,” he advises.
It might be tempting to gently press on your brakes, to give the tailgater a message. Not only could this spark a road rage incident, but if your tailgater is not quick to respond, it could cause a collision.
Not paying attention
Passive tailgaters are simply not paying attention, or they might be inexperienced drivers who are unaware of the danger they are causing.
If you have a passive tailgater behind you, it might be tempting to drive faster, to put some space between you – but again, rather drive defensively. Be sure to keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you. By speeding up, you might close the gap and, in turn, you become the tailgater for the car ahead.
If possible, move out of the way and let the driver pass. Alternatively, gradually slow down. That way, if you do need to apply brakes, the driver behind you might notice and take quick steps to prevent a collision. If you do crash, at least it will be at a slower speed with potentially less damage.
Illegal practise
Tailgating is illegal, and you could get a fine for doing so.
“No matter how safely you drive, you cannot control how others drive, which is why fully comprehensive car insurance is essential for most motorists,” says Smit.
Car insurance will not protect you for the carelessness of other drivers when you are out on the road, but it will protect you financially. It is a grudge purchase that makes sense in the long run.
