Rae Castillon on June 12, 2024 No Comments
Tailgating is the act of following very closely behind the car in front of you. This can be incredibly dangerous for all individuals on the road, is illegal, and is very likely to result in an accident. However, how should one react if they are being tailgated? In this article, we will explore the safety tips to abide by in the event someone is tailgating you.
Remain Calm
The number one thing you want to keep in mind when someone is tailgating you is to remain calm. Although it is easy to become frustrated and agitated by the tailgater, responding with anger or aggression can escalate the situation and make things even more dangerous. Therefore, take a deep breath, do what you can to handle your emotions, and keep your mind on the road.
Do Not Slam On Your Breaks
Another thing to be sure to avoid if someone is tailgating you is slamming on your brakes. While you may be tempted to tap on your brakes or “brake check” the tailgater, this is not a wise choice. In fact, suddenly decreasing the speed of your vehicle without an appropriate signal is illegal under California Vehicle Code 22109. Slamming or even tapping on your brakes greatly increases the chances of a rear-end accident occurring. The injury lawyers at Martinian Lawyers describe that rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents and getting into one can result in catastrophic damage and injury. Furthermore, resist the urge to make any adjustments to your speed.
Do Not Speed Up
Not only do you want to avoid slowing down while being tailgated, but you also want to avoid speeding up. Although it may make sense to speed up so that the tailgater can switch lanes and pass you, this can backfire. Increasing your speed may cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you are traveling faster than the enforced speed limit.
Let Them Pass
Only if you are positive that it is safe to do so, you can let the tailgater pass. To do this, you can move over a lane to the right if you are on a multi-lane road, or you can pull off the road entirely if you are on a single-lane road. However, letting the tailgater pass is not a necessity and is highly contingent upon whether or not you can safely let them pass. You must prioritize your safety.
The Consequences Of Tailgating
Tailgating is very dangerous and can lead to a number of devastating consequences. As mentioned, rear-end accidents are very common when an individual tailgates, and this can also lead to a multi-vehicle pileup. In addition to accidents, tailgating can also lead to a slowdown in traffic. Although it may seem counterintuitive, tailgating slows down the flow of traffic as a chain reaction of braking occurs. Furthermore, avoid tailgating other vehicles, and if you find yourself in a position where a tailgater is following closely behind, be sure to follow the aforementioned safety tips.
