Dealing with Tailgaters

Take a Breath

It’s a scenario every driver has faced. The menacing glare of headlights in your rearview mirror, a vehicle far too close for comfort. The tailgater. A dangerous and, frankly, idiotic driver who has abdicated their responsibility for road safety.

While your first instinct might be to get angry, to tap your brakes, or to speed up, I’m here to tell you that the advanced, professional approach is one of calm, controlled de-escalation. It’s about using your superior skills in observation and planning to manage the situation and ensure your own safety.

The Psychology of the Tailgater - And Why It Doesn't Matter

Let’s be clear: tailgating is a sign of an impatient, unskilled, and often aggressive driver. They may be late, they may be arrogant, or they may simply not understand the basic physics of stopping distances. But in the moment, their motivations are irrelevant. Your focus must be on the 'here and now' – on the risk they pose to you and how to mitigate it. An advanced driver doesn't get drawn into a battle of wills. They assess the situation and act decisively to ensure their own safety.

Your First and Best Defence: Create Space in Front

The golden rule when being tailgated is to increase the space in front of you. This may sound counterintuitive, but it's the most important adjustment you can make.

By creating a larger gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, you are giving yourself a bigger buffer. If the car in front of you suddenly brakes, you can decelerate smoothly and progressively, reducing the risk of the tailgater behind you running into your rear. This is 'Advanced Planning' in action.

You are not just reacting to the hazard behind you; you are creating a safer environment for everyone.

The Gentle Slowdown

To encourage the tailgater to overtake, a gentle, almost imperceptible, reduction in speed is often all that is required. I’m not talking about slamming on the brakes – that’s a fool’s game that can lead to catastrophe.

I’m talking about easing off the accelerator, letting the engine braking do the work. The tailgater, in their haste, will see this as an opportunity to pass. And that’s exactly what you want them to do if there's space available.

When to Pull Over

If the gentle slowdown doesn't work, and the tailgater persists, it’s time to remove yourself from the equation. Find a safe place to pull over – a lay-by, a bus stop, or a quiet side road.

Signal clearly and in good time, and pull over smoothly. Let the impatient driver go on their way. Your ego may take a small knock, but your vehicle and your person will be intact. A wise driver knows when to yield.

The Cardinal Sin: Don't Engage

Under no circumstances should you engage with a tailgater!

No brake-checking, no angry gestures, no sudden increases in speed. These actions are not only dangerous, but they can also escalate a situation into a road rage incident.

You have no idea who is in the other car, or what their state of mind is. The professional driver remains calm, in control, and focused on their own safety. Let the other driver be someone else's problem.

Conclusion: The Mark of a True Expert

Dealing with a tailgater isn't about winning a contest. It's about demonstrating your superior driving skill through quiet, confident, and safe actions. It's about observation, planning, and control.

The mark of a true expert isn't how fast they can drive, but how safely they can navigate the hazards of the road. By following these simple steps, you can effectively and safely manage the menace of the tailgater and prove that you are the better driver.

June 2025