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How do you get a driver off your tail?

On Behalf of | Apr 5, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Tailgaters can be annoying. Not only that, they can be downright dangerous. The closer someone is behind you, the greater the chance they rear-end you.

If you have ever seen a car chase in a movie, you might think the way to shake a tailgater is to slam on your brakes. That’s not going to work in real life. You will probably end up in the hospital and facing reckless driving charges in court.

So what can you do? Should you give in to the bully behind you?

However unfair it might seem that you need to move out of their way, it is the safest thing to do. Provided you first find a safe place to do it.

If someone is in such a rush or rage that they are willing to jeopardize your safety and theirs by tailgating you, now is not the time to try to correct their thinking. As soon as you let them pass, they are no longer your problem, and you can continue in safety.

Even though pulling aside or stopping may cost you a few seconds, it will be quicker than any delay if a crash occurs.

Give them the benefit of the doubt

Not all tailgaters are conscious of their actions. For every raging bull behind the wheel, there are many lost in a daydream who do not realize their proximity to you. Others know they are close but have never learned how close is too close. Again, getting out of their way is the fastest route to safety.

It is not always safe to let someone pass straight away. If a driver rear-ends you before you had a chance to let them pass, all you can do is seek help to claim compensation.