BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 11:02 AM

Wasn't there a film called 'Duel' where a poor chap was followed by a menacing-looking lorry?

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 11:10 AM

Yes, and a few other watchable variations on this theme...


Murderous stalker driver / demonic posessed vehicle movies probably constitute a sparate genre of their own..

BTW.. the extended unct version of "Death Proof" is the one to look out for on discount DVD shelves..

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 12:26 PM

In the US tailgaters can get ticketed.

I don't understand, though, why a person would not pull over and force someone to pass when going through a village? In a village there must be LOTS of places one can do so. If one doesn't want to be obvious about the feint one can pretend to stop at a petrol station.

In my own case, after giving the driver behind me a number of chances to pass me, I accepted it and drove normally the rest of the way.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: meself
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 12:39 PM

Similarly, I will deliberately slow down in a clear passing zone to make it easy for the tailgater to pass - a couple of times, anyway; if they don't take the opportunity, then it's their problem (except that they're still on my tail).

Btw, contrary to popular belief, tailgaters are actually of the crocodile family, and no relation to alligators whatsoever (notice the difference in spelling). Occasionally, tailgaters are confused with gator-tails, with embarrassing and even disastrous consequences.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Don Firth
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 01:22 PM

I believe this is the movie mentioned above:   "DUEL".

Both the original short story and the screenplay were written by Richard Matheson. I recall reading it in a magazine a few years before the movie appeared. The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg and I believe it was made for television. That's where I saw it.

Dennis Weaver starred, and the villain was a rusty old tanker truck that began to take on the character of a prehistoric monster. You never get a look at the driver of the truck, other than his left elbow leaning on the window of the truck's cab and one scene in a gas station when you see a pair of booted feet walking around the truck and kicking the tires—waiting while the protagonist finishes his lunch at a nearby lunch counter. Toward the end, when the protagonist decides he's not going to take it anymore, it begins to take on the aspects of a bull fight.

A real white-knuckle thriller!

Here is a full detailed synopsis of the story: CLICKY 2.

BEWARE. SPOILER ALERT!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Crowhugger
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 02:33 PM

New bumper sticker needed: "Your need to tailgate does not affect my accelerator. I'll get out of your way when safe to do so."
Trust me, the true arses will be close enough to read all that fine print.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 07:09 PM

Complete rubbish again Stu. You apparently have no idea of the history of highway whereas I have looked at it more than a bit. Look at the FACTS. Recreational 4*4 drivers do more to preserve rights of way than anyone except the Trail Riders' Fellowship - and perhaps the legendary Pat Wilson (one of the good eggs from the Ramblers' Association - they have a lot of twunts but she was never one) at whose approach grown farmers who had ploughed a right of way would pull their own heads off in terror. I walked many a path with her, and learned the true name of "Scratchers Corner".

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Troubadour
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 07:38 PM

Showing a white light to the rear, in the UK, is an offence, but if I'm tailgated at night with headlights blazing in my mirrors, I dip the interior mirror, then raise the electrically adjustable door mirrors till they reflect the bastard's own lights straight in his eyes. I'm not showing a white light, he is. I'm simply adjusting to avoid being dazzled

It doesn't matter if he stays behind or pulls left or right, he can't get out of the beam.

It never takes more than about twenty seconds before he drops back to a safe distance.

In daytime I just slow gently till he's forced to overtake.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 09:11 PM

I've tried to find the right mirror angles to reflect the light into the eyes of the jerks who drive behind me with their high beams on. So far, I haven't figured it out.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 09:32 PM

I drive fast at all times but I still get tailgated. I live in Cornwall, a place replete with narrow and twisty country roads. It is rare that I can go for more than a quarter of a mile or so without finding somewhere to pull over to let someone go past. Just let them go. It's easy. If you won't, or make excuses for why you won't, you are actually saying that what your real motive is is to sanctimoniously teach the tailgaters a lesson. Well you just won't manage that. Life's too short. Pull over, save your anxiety and quell their frustration. And the "I'm driving at the speed limit so the tailgaters can bugger off" argument doesn't wash either. In theory, extending that argument, you would be morally correct to stick yourself in the middle lane of the crowded M5 and drive at exactly 70. If you want to find out just what a twattish argument that is, just try doing it. Please report back your findings to this thread. Try to remember that driving is all about getting from A to B, not about setting out on a moral mission to teach flawed human beings in dangerous tin overcoats how to behave. Save that for this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jun 14 - 09:40 PM

I've tried to find the right mirror angles to reflect the light into the eyes of the jerks who drive behind me with their high beams on. So far, I haven't figured it out.

Just as well you haven't figured it out. The fact that you haven't figured it out might just save a life. He may be a jerk, but he's also someone's son, husband and dad. Just pull over and let him go.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:23 AM

Nah, sorry Steve, the guy in the middle lane of the M5 is also breaking the law. You are not comparing like with like there. I don't think it is a question of teaching anyone a lesson either. I am happy to let anyone pass, but only when it is safe and I will not go out of my way for someone who is putting me and others in danger. I'm not that altruistic I'm afraid!

I think we will just have to agree to disagree on this and hope you don't get stuck behind me while you are driving your Mum round the little roads of Pendle at 65 MPH :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:38 AM

Goodness, Steve, I'm not and never have been on any 'moral mission'. I like to get through life as gently and quietly as possible. And at my age, I'm not about to start any retaliation or confrontational action towards any motorist (or any other person either!) I was simply afraid, and felt rather alone in my little Fiesta. I still think the best suggestion here (from many contributors) is to turn off safely where possible and wait a few minutes, then resume the journey sans twit! I haven't mentioned, have I, that the roads were almost completely empty, which made me a bit more scared. If (God forbid) there'd been an accident or a shunt, the mobile signal is nil and one could lie there injured for ages before anyone happened along. Gulp!

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:43 AM

The "middle lane" on a 3-lane motorway is for overtaking drivers who are in the left hand (UK) lane. And so on. The Highway Code is quite clear, you should drive in the furthest left lane that is safe. In theory it would be possible for a member of the middle lane owners' club to be fined for driving without due care and consideration, if he were obstructing other traffic (who should NOT overtake on his inside) but if he were driving at the speed limit it is hard to envisage it occurring.

The legal limit on single carriageways is never more than 60.

Having said that I am pretty much a press-on driver so rarely get tailgated, although if I have the caravan on the back and am doing the legal limit (plus maybe a mile-an-hour or two, just for luck) I do get frustrated by drivers who are manifestly champing at the bit behind me.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 06:06 AM

The legal limit on single carriageways is never more than 60

Indeed, Richard. But it is amazing how accurate the old 10% + 2MPH is when I compare my speedo to the SatNav. The speedo is generaly about 10% more than the SatNav. Speedo is on a 9 year old car, built in Dagenham, with 120K on the clock. SatNav relies on 21st century technology constantly being updated by National Defense organisations and it agrees with those signs that flash your speed at you.

I know which I believe :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 06:33 AM

The Highway Code is quite clear, you should drive in the furthest left lane that is safe.

We must have more new immigration from Britain than I ever realized. Because we get quite a few drivers who follow that rule in the US.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 06:39 AM

Ah, I forgot about that recent law change concerning the middle lane. However, the point still stands in that anyone behind the 70mph-you in that middle lane who is hassling you is wanting to break another law, i.e., exceeding the speed limit. Are you doing anyone a favour by stopping him from doing so? I don't think so. And, despite the law, middle-lane hogs are abundant and universal and I've yet to hear of one being prosecuted.

This is always an issue that attracts its fair and hefty share of sanctimony. The thing is, you can always let someone pass. It won't be long before you can find somewhere to stop or pull in for a second. It won't bugger up your life so to do. So do it. The roads are crowded, slow drivers are a pain in the arse and they need to ditch their devilish control-freakery, use their mirrors a bit more, stop arguing with the kids in the back, leave the bloody dog at home and put the burger down on the dashboard. Driving is a gig unto itself. I'd ban for life anyone who cuts the corner on a right turn (sorry, yanks, not you).

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 08:12 AM

I'm a cyclist...


but if I did drive, it'd be a fast engined, mechanically sound large vehicle
with noticably battle scarred bodywork,
which I wouldn't care if it aquired any more new scrapes, minor dents or scratches..
[a bit like my guitars]

Something anybody tailgating in a pristine shiny showroom condition car
ought to take into consideration whilst contemplating clinging to my arse
and risking my safety in an intimidating bullying fashion.


Lets just say I'd be a very 'assertive' driver...


Fortunately, both times I took driving lessions, I was too skint to complete the course and pay for a test..

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:23 AM

It won't be long before you can find somewhere to stop or pull in for a second.

That is probably true in most cases, Steve, but there are exceptions. Someone already mentioned driving in the dark and not seeing a suitable place until it is too late. Surely to slow down so you may see somewhere would only make matter worse? There is also the fear that the tailgater may be a nutter waiting for you to stop so they can continue their nefarious pursuits! If you were on a lonely road, by yourself and a the someone was trying to put a tinted windscreen of a 'gangsta truck' in your boot, would you honestly stop with no thought of your own safety? What if you are in a queue behind a slow moving vehicle and being tailgated? It has happened to me a few times on the Colne to Keighley road. Do you pull in and let the whole queue past, because you can guarantee that once you pull in, no-one in the queue will let you back in again!

Still, yes, I concede that these are corner cases and for most of the time, yes, somewhere will appear within 5 minutes or so. Trouble is, 5 minutes of aggressive tailgating is just as dangerous as 15 minutes of it.

Anyway - Careful out there :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:29 AM

Incidentally, Advanced Driving UK do not recommend stopping. See here

Good tips for all I think.

D.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:33 AM

... and time to recommend "Devil's Bridge" DVD...

A recent low budget indie Welsh [English Language] nasty brutal rural thriller
regarding a bonkers beserk Welsh farmer tailgating & stalking arrogant Essex boy visitors
to his isolated agricultural hunting ground.....

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:48 AM

The (KIA) link does not you provided does seem to indicate what you stated in your last post, dtg....unless I missed something?

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:50 AM

Oops, meant " the link you provided "does not" indicate...

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Stu
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 09:52 AM

"Recreational 4*4 drivers do more to preserve rights of way than anyone except the Trail Riders' Fellowship"

This isn't about preserving the rights of way - it's about respect for the countryside, caring for our shared heritage and recognising not everyone wants to spend their time in the company of the internal combustion engine.

It's bit like gamekeepers 'preserving' the grouse moors. They do it for a rich elite, ignore the ecosystem and don't give a shite for the fact they might be running it for everyone else.


"The "middle lane" on a 3-lane motorway is for overtaking drivers who are in the left hand (UK) lane."

So many arseholes don't understand this it's impressive.


Anyhow, I'm not a fast driver and tend to drive at the speed limit most of the time. This seems to infuriate plenty of people, who seem to believe they are different from the rest of us and require special treatment. Tossers.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 10:04 AM

"DEVIL'S BRIDGE" Trailer

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 10:28 AM

Not sure what you mean, Ed. The link I provided does not recommend stopping, which is what I said. I think :-S

D.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 10:40 AM

I agree that pulling over when it is safe to do so is the sensible thing to do but in the meantime, when you're waiting for the safe opportunity, you are still being tailgated. Even half a mile, with someone stuck right up your backside, can seem an awfully long way.

If I am driving a large or slow vehicle which is likely to hold up other traffic driving at normal speeds, I try to be considerate to other road users and pull over to let them pass. If, however, I am in a car making good progress, limited only by the law or current road conditions, then the person behind me will have to put up with the fact that I am using that particular bit of road at that particular time. He is free to use it once I have finished with it. I make every effort to be in the appropriate lane on motorways and always co-operate with those making passing manoeuvres so that we can both carry on our journeys safely. If I am tailgated I won't deliberately slow down but I do increase the distance between me and the person in front to allow me time to brake more gently. What I don't do is let them harass me into speeding up beyond what is safe for the road conditions.

Tailgating is intimidation. If everyone else moves out of the way of the bully, then it encourages him/her to go on and bully the next victim.


DC

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 10:47 AM

The link you provided, DtG, recommends creating more space between you and the vehicle ahead- which I think is another way of advocating slowing down...

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 10:48 AM

From what I saw on the linked (KIA) page, it does not seem to specifically say not to stop, where safe, either. However, it does seem to recommend getting "out if the way" of a tailgater, when you can "safely" do so. If one can safely do so without stopping, far the better for everyone. Anyway, not to feed a minor issue, that seems like good advice to me.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 12:22 PM

... creating more space between you and the vehicle ahead- which I think is another way of advocating slowing down...

Slowing down for a short time to achieve the desired space, then returning back to the same speed as the vehicle ahead.


DC

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 12:32 PM

No - it doesn't say anything about stopping, Ed, which is why I said it does not recommend it. But you are right - minor issue. I think we are saying the same thing really and we agree it is good advice.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 02:45 PM

Stu - minor highways carrying established or putative vehicular rights total under 5% of the minor highway network. You have 95%. Don't be greedy (or prejudiced).

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 03:13 PM

I did indeed slow down on approaching two villages with speed limits of 30 mph. But she was glued to my rear end the entire time. I don't mean 'a bit close' either; I mean as if she was attached to my boot.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 03:18 PM

Question then, Eliza. Would you have felt safe stopping at the side of the road, where appropriate, to let her pass?

D.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Stu
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:02 PM

"Stu - minor highways carrying established or putative vehicular rights total under 5% of the minor highway network. You have 95%. Don't be greedy (or prejudiced)."

Well I didn't know that. I'm not prejudiced as such; it's just that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get away from the sound and smell of motors. So I'm willing to accept that those tearing up our local hollow lanes might be bad eggs; there is scant enough respect for the wildlife in this country without making it worse where it could be avoided.

As for militant ramblers, they're still nowhere near as bad as the hordes of Eddy Merx wannabes blocking up the main roads at seeking, riding six abreast whilst discussing where the lycra chafes. And those loonies on motorbikes; there are roads near us I won't even travel on at weekends. Ack.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:18 PM

Dave, probably not. As her behaviour was so bizarre, I'd have been afraid she may have pulled up behind me and stopped too. I wouldn't have had much of a signal on the mobile, and when I say 'villages' I mean tiny hamlets; there weren't any people about on a Sunday evening, no shops open etc, so help would have been hard to get. Maybe this is being too dramatic, and I'm normally a down-to-earth sensible old thing, but one never knows. I can't think what her mindset may have been. Her expression was certainly fierce and angry! I suppose if really frightened I could have driven right up into someone's drive and knocked on the door to ask them to call the Police, but that would have been a last resort.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:32 PM

Open up the gap in front of you. That gives you a safety margin. You don't have to find a layby. Just indicate left on a straight stretch and slow down and let the silly bugger pass. You may have the moral right to drive at whatever speed you like but you don't have the moral right to increasingly frustrate some imbecile who, by dint of your frustrating tactics, might increasingly endanger other road-users. Have a little think about this. Then let them pass.

Drove for 20 miles this afternoon behind a little old lady in a Micra doing 35 max on the B3266. The convoy grew ever larger. Every car coming the other way had her brake lights coming on. Even on the uphill bits. She appeared not to be aware of the existence of her rear-view mirror. Give me a bloody tailgater any time.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 04:43 PM

'Open up the gap in front of you...' er... Steve, the 'gap in front of me' was endless. In fact, there was the whole of Norfolk in front of me and nobody else on the road. You sound very angry for some reason. I have 'thought about this' as you kindly suggest, but can figure out absolutely nothing that I was doing wrong. She could have zoomed past at any time, but seemed bent on following me at close quarters. If you like having a tailgater behind you, please take her; you're most welcome!

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 05:41 PM

You sound very angry for some reason.

Nah. As a 15000-mile per year road user, just resigned, that's all.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 07:44 PM

Eliza, sorry for your experience, as it must have been terrifying for you.

However, it may have been unique, and thus, the " best practice" reaction in your case may be quite different from the "garden variety" tailgating situation most of us experience on a daily basis. Describing a best-reaction to tailgating should be geared toward the mean, versus the extreme, IMO.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 03:47 AM

Well, thank you again to all; I expect it was a one-off. I'm certainly not going to stop driving to see my friends because of this. I've always held to the belief that the vast majority of folk all over the world are intrinsically good, and NOT vicious or evil, so I'll travel on towards the end of my life with optimism and goodwill!

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 05:58 AM

You don't have to find a layby. Just indicate left on a straight stretch and slow down and let the silly bugger pass.

That's a much better idea than stopping, Steve. I guess that is what you were getting at in the first place? If so, sorry for the misunderstanding.

Funnily enough I picked Mrs G up from the bus station in Nelson last night. On the A6068 on the way I was about 4th in a queue behind a Number 25 bus. Just behind me was a Range Rover Evoque trying to climb over my roof. I did everything that was recommended but it was still there when we got to Colne. We parted company there but, for about 15 minutes, it was an accident waiting to happen.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 08:56 AM

Dave, that perfectly illustrates the evidence gathering value and need
for front and rear facing purpose designed vehicle mini digital cam recorders....

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 09:42 AM

One solution (Not REALLY recommended)

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 09:57 AM

Funny though :-)

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 11:01 AM

Eliza - I know the roads in your neck of the woods and really do sympathise with your situation. Those roads are, on the whole, quite narrow, with little space to pull over to let a car pass and, in your shoes, I would not have WANTED to do that anyway, being a female alone in a car with no mobile signal and very little in the way of help if the driver was actually trying to make you stop for their own reasons. This may sound paranoid, but it has happened and I believe in safe not sorry. I do think that taking the reg number, if you can see it, and then reporting the person to the Police is a good idea.

My ex-husband went on a defensive driving course and was advised not to touch the brakes, as this could be seen as a sign of aggression, but rather to operate the windscreen washers, as Jeri suggested. Cleaning the windscreen is good practice anyway and, if the washers are set just right, can hit the tailgater's screen. I've done this a number of times and they do tend to hang back a bit as a result.

I've been on the A1 in dense fog and the M1 in driving rain, both times in the right lane following and whole queue of cars and both times with the other lanes totally blocked. Everyone driving at a speed condusive to the road conditions. Both times I get the idiot charging up behind me wanting to climb over my car to then bully the one in front of me. Both times I just slowed down enough to put a good distance between me and the car in front.

Here in Maine the speed limit on our local roads is 35mph. This is an area of private dwellings, schools and shops. There are pedestrians and cyclists around as well as kids. I stay at the speed limit and, if someone tailgates me, I am not going to stop and let them pass. This is an area where exceeding the speed limit is dangerous to other road users. When someone sits too long on my tail I slow down on these roads until they back off. I see this as maybe saving the life of a child who may otherwise be in the path of a motorist driving too fast to be totally aware of what is going on ahead, or to be able to stop in case of an emergency. What happens to the idiot behind the wheel of a speeding vehicle is really not my concern - they put themselves in that position.

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 11:14 AM

Most frequent forms of road rage*
62% Aggressive tailgating
59% Headlight flashing
48% Obscene gestures
21% Deliberately obstructing other vehicles
16% Verbal abuse
1% Physical assault by other drivers




Road rage 

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 11:23 AM

Resources:

Tailgating and road rage 




advice from wikihow advice from wikihow 

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Ed T
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 11:24 AM

Sorry about the double wikihow link:(

Subject: RE: BS: How Should I Deal With Tailgating?
From: Penny S.
Date: 27 Jun 14 - 03:45 PM

My worst case was driving down the A1, three lanes. There was slwo traffic in lane one. In lane two were some film location trucks, driven very close together, so they might have been a train, connected. They were going slower than 70, perhaps 55 limited. I had started to pass them, at 70, when I was flashed from behind. Flashy expensive classy vehicle, tailgating, and absolutely no where for me to go - those film lorries were long and there were several of them. I refused to be pushed over the limit, but it took what seemed ages to get past the location stuff. When I moved in to lane two, the big black idiot surged past - and in the back window was a sign telling those who might tailgate him that there were children on board - and from what I saw, there were.