When another driver starts tailgating your vehicle, it significantly increases the risk of an accident. This often has very little to do with the way you are driving. The other driver has simply reduced their following distance, leaving less time to react, which could cause them to rear-end your vehicle if traffic suddenly changes. Rear-end accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or head and neck injuries.
It can be frustrating to deal with a tailgater, and you may be tempted to brake-check them to make them back off. However, this is not a good idea, as you could be held liable for causing an accident. So what should you do instead?
Gradually slow down
If you believe the other driver is trying to pass, it may help to gradually slow down to make it easier for them to go around you. Avoid hitting your brakes or acting aggressively; instead, remain calm and reduce your speed carefully.
If slowing down doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be best to find a safe place to pull off the road. On rural roads, this could mean pulling onto a wide shoulder to let them pass. On urban streets, you might pull into a parking spot or a driveway.
If you’re being tailgated on the interstate, the solution could be as simple as changing lanes. For instance, if you’re in the left lane because you’re passing slower vehicles on the right, merge back to the right lane once you’ve completed the pass so that the driver behind you can go around.
Seeking financial compensation
These steps can help reduce the risk of an accident, but tailgaters can still cause serious collisions. If you’ve suffered life-changing injuries due to a tailgater’s negligence, make sure you understand your options for seeking financial compensation for medical bills, lost earnings and related expenses.