If you happen to’re on the highway and also you discover a driver proper behind your automotive and means too shut for consolation, that is referred to as a tailgater. Tailgating is a think about over 1/3 of all crashes on the highway. In line with a 2020 survey, 21% of responders admitted to tailgating or switching lanes rapidly. [1]
Whereas tailgating might be annoying and harmful conduct, there are secure methods to cope with it. Listed here are some recommendations on what to do to assist stop an accident. [2]
What’s tailgating?
Tailgating is when one automotive follows one other too intently. It might simply result in accidents, so it’s vital to drive fastidiously when on the highway with tailgaters. To warn the tailgater behind you that you simply’re slowing, faucet your brake calmly just a few occasions. If you happen to discover a tailgater behind you, it’s greatest to vary lanes and allow them to move. [3]
The way to cope with tailgaters
Tailgate drivers could be a very irritating factor to expertise. If you happen to discover somebody tailgating you, observe these recommendations on methods to proceed safely:
- Keep calm: Hold composed to stop feelings from getting the very best of you and inflicting a severe accident.
- Hold a snug distance: Take note of the automobiles round you, and if one is tailgating near you, keep distant.
- Let the tailgater move: If the tailgater is behind you, swap lanes and even pull over to allow them to move.
- Keep your velocity: Keep constant along with your velocity in order that different drivers can safely move if they need to. Utilizing cruise management when circumstances enable, is a method to hold your velocity predictable for you and different drivers. [2]
What’s a secure distance between automobiles whereas driving?
Be certain to observe the 3-second rule when figuring out whether or not you or one other automotive on the highway are driving at a secure distance. The rule says that when a automotive in entrance of you passes any level, you must be capable to rely to three earlier than you cross that very same level. The extra distance between automobiles, the extra time to react. [4]
What must you do in a tailgating accident?
You must deal with a tailgating accident such as you would deal with another automotive accident: Get assist, name the police, accumulate the required info, doc all the pieces, after which contact your insurance coverage firm for subsequent steps. What’s lined in your automotive insurance coverage will depend on your particular coverage, the scenario, and different components.
Whereas tailgaters might be annoying and harmful, observe our recommendations on methods to spot and cope with them to make your driving expertise safer and extra satisfying. Additionally, be sure you and your car are lined with the proper insurance coverage for you.
Sources:
[1] “The Final Listing of Driving Statistics for 2023,” driving-tests.org/driving-statistics (accessed Oct. 11, 2023).
[2] “Don’t Get Tackled: The way to Deal With Tailgaters Safely,” firestonecompleteautocare.com/weblog/driving/what-to-do-someone-tailgating-you (Sept. 2, 2019).
[3] “Tailgating,” driversed.com/assets/phrases/tailgating (accessed Oct. 3, 2023).
[4] “What Is a Secure Following Distance?” driversed.com/trending/what-safe-following-distance (June 8, 2021).
Disclaimer:
The data included is designed for informational functions solely. It’s not authorized, tax, monetary or another type of recommendation, neither is it an alternative to such recommendation. The data might not apply to your particular scenario. We now have tried to verify the data is correct, however it could possibly be outdated and even inaccurate in components. It’s the reader’s accountability to adjust to any relevant native, state or federal laws. Nationwide Mutual Insurance coverage Firm, its associates and their staff make no warranties in regards to the info nor assure of outcomes, they usually assume no legal responsibility in reference to the data offered. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance coverage Firm. © 2024 Nationwide
