Do you have any tailgating experience? Did you feel the hassle caused by them?
Tailgating is one of the most unsafe practices of reckless drivers on the road, which means that drivers are following a vehicle in front of them too closely. It is a dangerous driving habit because it can cause injury and damage to other people’s lives.
Some of the truck drivers lead to doing this because they run out of time in delivering their products to their respective destinations. But some are being too impatient.
These are two types of tailgaters:
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Passive tailgaters
These drivers simply want to get ahead of you and they find pleasure each time they see other vehicles in front of them. These drivers do not notice that they are actually driving too closely.
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Aggressive Tailgaters
These drivers use their vehicle to intimidate other motorists. They have a clear intention of tailgating other vehicles. It is like saying: “Get out of my sight!”
So what are you going to do if you are being tailgated by other vehicles? Are you just going to stay out of the high-speed lane? Well, the best possible thing that you can do is to know safety driving tips.
Our Tweed Heads Driving School compiled tips on how to deal with tailgaters:
- Our Tweed Heads Driving School recommends staying alert to changing weather and road conditions. In some cases, road hazards are oblivious to other drivers. Increase your space cushion when driving in a bad weather because of the low road vision and freezing conditions.
- School of Transport advises keeping your distance free from any vehicle. Don’t forget the 3-second rule. Leave enough space to stop and response. A safety cushion can give you an ample time when a truck driver ahead of you is about to park, stop or turn without giving signals.
- Tweed Heads Driving School suggests considering the stopping distance of other large vehicles like a Coach Bus, Medium Rigid Bus or a Heavy Rigid Truck as they need more time to turn and stop.
- If you are being tailgated constantly on the same road, our Tweed Heads Driving School advises looking for alternative routes. It might be safer for you to drive in an open area with less vehicle.
- If you heading out on the road for a short trip, avoid using intersections, highways, and other high-speed areas. Tailgating frequently happens on roads with high-speed limits.
- If pulling your truck on the left side is not an option, remember the safe following distance from the truck in front of you. Truck drivers should drive at least two seconds behind a vehicle.
- Stay calm in conditions like this. Avoid being panic because the tendency is you lose focus easily. Give your full attention on the road and drive with extra care.
- Drive on a lower speed because a tailgater usually wants to get a pass and move along fast. When you feel that it is safe for them to overtake, give a hand signal and move your vehicle to the left side of the road.
- Use your side-view mirrors and rear-view mirrors to see the vehicles around you. Sometimes, a tailgater is also doing a hand signal.
- If you feel that you are being tailgated by an irresponsible driver, try to pull your truck to a different lane and let the tailgater pass. Use your indicators to make a signal of what you are going to do.
Hopefully, these tips will help you lessen the chance of being rear-ended. Always remember that fast drive could e your last drive.
Photo by: http://bit.ly/2bi5WDT
