Tailgating is essentially when one car is too close to the car in front of it without leaving a safe driving distance between cars. This kind of driving dramatically increases the chance of a rear-end collision and is a common type of unsafe driving.
What Is A Safe Following Distance?
A skilled driver will be familiar with the 3 second rule when driving. This is the driving distance between cars that allows you to stop safely if the car in front of you slams on their brakes. Keep in mind that this following distance should be increased if you’re travelling at higher speeds or in wet weather, as these factors will increase the amount of time it takes to bring your car safely to a stop.
Why Is Someone Tailgating Me?
Most of us have been in a situation on the road when the car behind us seems a lot closer than it should be. This could be the result of aggressive driving, or it could be that the driver of the vehicle behind you is distracted. Aggressive driving is when a driver intentionally drives too close to you as a result of impatience and anger, and tries to intimidate you. Distracted driving occurs when the driver of the vehicle behind you isn’t focused on driving and unintentionally moves closer and closer to you. For example, they could be using their mobile phone while driving or have other distractions inside the car.
Someone Is Tailgating me – What Should I Do?
Regardless of the reason why someone is tailgating you, you need to decide how to respond to the other driver’s unsafe driving. You should never escalate the situation by slamming on your brakes, flashing your brake lights, or slowing down. This will make the situation even more unsafe and could lead to your car being rear-ended. Remain calm and don’t change your own driving behaviour in response to the person tailgating you.
If you’re able to, indicate and change lanes so that the person tailgating you can pass. Don’t engage with the person as they pass to avoid escalating the situation into a road rage incident.
Reporting Unsafe Driving
If you have a passenger in the car with you, ask them to take down the registration number and make/model of the car that is tailgating you if their behaviour is aggressive. You can always report this kind of unsafe driving to the police in your state.
What Happens If Someone Hits My Car From The Back?
If the tailing driver does rear-end you, you may be unsure of what to do after the car accident. Under Australian law, you need to stop immediately after an accident and offer assistance to anyone else involved. It’s also important to exchange personal and insurance information. If the other driver becomes aggressive or is uncooperative, you should call the police to assist you.
Remember that you have the right to be placed back into the position you were in before your accident if you are the not at fault driver. Right2Drive may be able to assist you with an accident replacement vehicle for the entire duration of your repairs and at no cost to you. Find out if you’re eligible now.
