If another driver is tailgating your vehicle, they’re making it more likely that you will be injured. You may not be able to avoid it. If you have to stop suddenly and they rear-end your car, you could certainly be the one who needs medical treatment.
Because of how dangerous tailgating is, you may be wondering how you can get it to stop. Some people will be aggressive in their tactics, perhaps “brake checking” the other driver by slamming on the brakes without warning. But this is a very dangerous tactic, and it can be illegal – perhaps even changing the situation so that the police accuse you of intentionally causing the accident. What should you do instead?
Focus on your personal goal
Often, people don’t want to let a tailgater pass because they’re frustrated that the tailgater has put them in danger. They know that the other person is impatient or in a hurry and wants to get around. But that person is driving dangerously and the front driver doesn’t want to reward this poor behavior.
This perspective is understandable, but the truth is that your best option is to get that tailgater to pass. That should be your personal goal because it will increase how safe you are on the road. Don’t worry about whether or not the tailgater should have acted differently or should have been more considerate. Try to let the emotions of the situation go, find a place to gradually slow down or even pull over, and let the other driver pass.
What if you get injured?
Unfortunately, tailgaters do cause accidents, even when you try to do everything you can to be safe. If you’ve suffered injuries, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.