Get Off My Tail! and stop tailgating me

I Really Don’t Need a Body Shop or Hospital Visit Today, Stop Tailgating Me

We have all seen the drivers who seem like they just want to crash right into our rear bumper. Maybe they don’t like our license plate number so they get as close to our vehicle so that they can’t see it? Maybe they just have somewhere to go and being right on our behind will get them there five seconds quicker? Who knows why people tailgate, but it is not only a dangerous habit to have or pick up, it is a safety issue and downright dangerous.

Am I a Tailgater?

It is important to maintain a sufficient amount of space between yourself and the car in front of you. This space can be referred to as the “cushion of space.” Let’s all think real hard back to our permit test. OK, for some so you can’t remember that far back but the cushion of space is 3-6 seconds and allows us to be able to react to any possible moves the other driver may do. A good rule of thumb is the more space, the better. If you cannot tell if you are tailgating the driver in front of you, pick an object on the side of the road ahead of you, such as a bush or a tree. If you get to that item before three seconds, then you are too close. If it takes you three seconds or longer to reach the item, you are perfect, bravo for you!

Yep, the vehicle behind me is definitely tailgating me.

If you are the person who is being tailgated, you should let them pass. Tailgaters are not the type of drivers that you want behind you so it is best to either switch lanes or pull off to the side of the road and allow them to pass. When you have a tailgater behind you, you have to make sure you don’t get angry or upset, as this can lead to road rage and potentially lead to a confrontation or an accident. The news reports of road rage involving guns should make you consider the type of person you may be dealing with when they are right on your tail.

About the author:
Dan Deary is president of Capitol Collision Repair, one of the largest, independent body shops in Phoenix, now in their 25th year in business.

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