Having another vehicle follow too closely when you’re driving can be nerve-wracking. You’re constantly anxious as you look at the mirror, just thinking about how they’re making an accident far more likely than it has to be.
This could happen for a lot of reasons. Maybe that driver is distracted and doesn’t know how close they are. Maybe they’re oblivious and they think it’s a safe distance when it clearly is not. Maybe they’re angry and they’re tailgating you to get you to speed up.
No matter the reason, what should you do?
Dealing with a tailgater safely
Remember that safety should be your top priority, not “getting even” with a tailgater or anything of that nature. As such, you should:
- Stay calm
- Brake slowly
- Let them pass
- Move to the side of the road
- Refuse to escalate the situation
Much of the time, just slowing down is enough. Don’t slam on the brakes, but just take your foot off of the gas. As your car slowly loses speed, they’ll notice and go around safely. You can then return to your preferred speed and continue driving with far less risk — and less anxiety. In more extreme cases, you may need to pull off of the road entirely to get them to pass.
What if you do get injured?
Even taking these steps doesn’t always guarantee your safety. A tailgater can cause a serious accident in a split second. If you get injured, you need to know how to seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs. An attorney can help protect your interests as you pursue the compensation you are due.