If you're being tailgated by another vehicle, stay calm, cautiously move over, and avoid confrontation. It's natural to get frustrated or confrontational, but your #1 priority is your own safety and the safety of those around you.
1. Don't Freak Out
The first and most crucial step is to remain calm. Panicking or becoming agitated can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decision-making on the road. Just continue driving as predictably as possible.
2. Don't Brake Suddenly
Understand that there are some drivers who unintentionally tailgate, but your instinct might be to hit the brakes so the tailgater backs off. This can lead to a very dangerous situation - like a rear-end collision - especially if they're following too closely without paying attention.
3. Maintain a Consistent Speed
Try to maintain a steady, legal speed. Avoid speeding up or slowing down erratically, as this can exacerbate the situation and increase the risk of a collision.
4. Cautiously Move Or Pull Over
Rather than speeding up aggressively or braking suddenly, cautiously move to the furthest lane to the right if you are in the left lane (fast lane) on the interstate or a three lane highway. It's dangerous to just wait it out and let the driver change lanes to pass you. You shouldn't be coasting in the fast lane anyways, and waiting for the tailgater to pass poses a risk for the other drivers around him or her.
If there are no other lanes, find a safe spot to carefully pull over to allow the tailgater to pass. Choose a well-lit area with enough space on the side of the road to avoid any potential hazards.
If there are no other lanes, find a safe spot to carefully pull over to allow the tailgater to pass. Choose a well-lit area with enough space on the side of the road to avoid any potential hazards.
5. Signal Your Intentions
If you do decide to move or pull over, use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to the tailgater and other drivers on the road. Then you can make your move smoothly and predictably to avoid surprising anyone, including the other drivers around you.
6. Avoid Confrontation
It can be tempting to express your frustration or anger towards the tailgater, but engaging in
confrontation will only escalate the situation. No fingers. No hand gestures. No scowls. You never know when someone is on the edge of lashing out. All they need is a spark.
confrontation will only escalate the situation. No fingers. No hand gestures. No scowls. You never know when someone is on the edge of lashing out. All they need is a spark.
7. Report Reckless Driving
You're not tattling. You're preventing possible accidents. If the tailgater's behavior is aggressive or dangerous, please consider reporting them to the authorities. Get their license plate number, vehicle make and model, and any other relevant information to provide to law enforcement.
The easiest way to report a reckless driver is to call the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) by dialing *347. If you feel like the tailgater is an immediate threat to the safety of other drivers, please call 911.
The easiest way to report a reckless driver is to call the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) by dialing *347. If you feel like the tailgater is an immediate threat to the safety of other drivers, please call 911.
Call Wilkes & Mee today if you’ve been in an accident involving an aggressive driver. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will investigate the accident and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.