If Someone Is Tailgating You, What Should You Do?

It’s no secret that tailgaters are dangerous. You certainly feel this danger when someone starts tailgating you, as it probably makes you a bit nervous and stressed out. You know that they might cause an accident at any second – and you may be injured due to their negligence.

Some people will quickly hit the brakes to try to get the tailgater to back up, but you shouldn’t do this. It may cause the accident, and your decision to intentionally hit the brakes may mean that you are liable and the accident could be your fault. So what should you do?

Slow Down Gradually

Slowing down isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but you should do so gradually. For instance, rather than hitting the brakes, just take your foot off of the gas pedal. If the tailgater is just looking for a chance to pass, it’s easier for them to do so at a lower speed.

After all, your main goal should be influencing that tailgater to pass your car. That is what will keep you and anyone else in your vehicle safe. Don’t let ego get in the way. Just let them pass and continue driving safely.

In fact, there are some situations in which slowing down won’t be enough. You may need to pull over to the side of the road, pull into a parking lot or even change lanes. But your goal remains the same: You want the tailgater to pass your car as soon as possible.

What if You Get Injured?

Even if you try to do the right thing, the tailgater could cause an accident that leads to serious injuries. Be sure you know about all the legal steps you can take to seek financial compensation.