About a month ago, my kids and I were on our way home from dinner at a friends house. About 10 minutes into our drive home a car approached my rear very fast and very aggressively. Mind you I was in the right lane, going a couple of miles over the speed limit.
I always get nervous when someone becomes aggressive when driving, especially when I have my kids in the car. Not only was this driver right on my rear, but he was honking his horn and making some not so lovely gestures. I was getting pretty nervous, so I slowed down even more (because the left lane was wide open) and patiently waited for him to pass me.
So Mike, What would you do in this situation?
Mike: “The best thing to do is to slow down and let the tailgater pass. Don’t slow drastically, ease up on the gas and you’ll slow slightly: this way you will be easier to pass.” Also, if the tailgater becomes more aggressive and continues to harass you, I tell folks NOT to go to a police station because there can be a time that no one is at the station as they are out patrolling. This frequently happens in small towns. So instead, I suggest heading to the emergency room at a hospital because there is always someone there. Hope this helps and please remember to still, drive safe and ride safely.”
Turn on 4 way flashers.
Go to any populated well lighted space.
Wish for a roundabout.
How likely is it the tailgating driver mistook the front driver for another,
or that the first driver might have engaged in an unintended slight?
Still, avoidance of conflict in a clean well-lighted populated site is a good idea.
Bruce, Thanks for your comment in regards to avoiding a tailgater (or aggressive driver). Avoidance of conflict is always the good idea as well. We always appreciate conversations with other drivers working to create safer roads. :}