What to do if motorcycle is tailgating you?
6 Riding Tips for Dealing With Tailgaters
- Check your speed. If people regularly tailgate you then maybe you aren’t maintaining the expected speed of surrounding traffic.
- Let them by.
- Increase your following distance.
- Communicate intentions early.
- Use smart lane positioning.
- Stay cool.
What is the best thing to do when being tailgated?
Brake slowly before stopping. Avoid tailgaters when possible by changing lanes. If you cannot change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when safe and let the tailgater pass.
What should you do when being passed by a motorcycle?
When a motorist passes a motorcyclist, the gust of wind that follows could cause the motorcycle to become unstable. Always use your turn signal before changing lanes or merging to allow the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
What should you not do when being tailgated?
Don’t overuse your brakes. “Brake checking” or slamming on your brakes when someone tailgates is not a good move in any situation. Sure, you can slow down, and maybe get the other driver to lay off, but it’s best not to abuse the brakes. Why? The driver behind you may get irritated and begin to drive more aggressively.
Can motorcycles stop faster than cars?
There are lot of factors in play, but in general, motorcycles stop faster than cars. A motorcycle is much lighter than a car, so in principle should stop faster, the same way an 18-wheeler truck will stop much slower than a car.
What should you do if someone is driving too close?
It’s better to slow down gradually with your foot off the juice. Then, if you do need to brake suddenly, the brake light should hopefully prompt the tailgater to take some evasive action. This won’t entirely eliminate the risk of getting rear-ended but at least there’ll be less damage at a slower speed.
What should I do if I’m being tailgated?
If you are being tailgated, do not slow down more, brake check, or look at the driver to teach them a lesson. You’re more likely to escalate the situation. Collect the license plate number, pull off of the road and remain in your vehicle if a tailgater causes an accident.
What should you do if you are tailgated in the right lane?
If you are being tailgated by another driver and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear and then reduce your speed slowly. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down abruptly as this will only increase the risk of your vehicle being hit from behind.
Why are tailgaters stuck behind you on the road?
Tailgaters may be stuck behind you because your speed is inconsistent and they may not feel it’s safe to pass you. Keep your speed as constant as possible so the tailgater has a chance to judge if it’s safe to pass you. [2]
Do you have to pass a truck with a tailgate?
Chances are the truck is travelling at a speed you’re comfortable with, so you don’t have to pass the truck. The truck is also big enough for other drivers to see it from a distance.
How to deal with a tailgater on a motorcycle?
However, if they are in road-rage mode, it will only make them more aggressive. Use the acceleration and manoeuvring abilities of your bike to pass the vehicle in front and put another vehicle between you and the tailgater as a buffer. This may only be a temporary measure, though, as the tailgater may also pass that vehicle.
Do you have to put distance between you and a tailgater?
This may only be a temporary measure, though, as the tailgater may also pass that vehicle. Don’t try to put some distance between you and the tailgater as it may mean you are speeding, or you are now tailgating the vehicle in front.
What to do if someone is tailgating you?
If you are being tailgated, do not slow down more, brake check, or look at the driver to teach them a lesson. You’re more likely to escalate the situation. Collect the license plate number, pull off of the road and remain in your vehicle if a tailgater causes an accident. Call the police to the scene and do not exit your vehicle until they arrive.
Tailgaters may be stuck behind you because your speed is inconsistent and they may not feel it’s safe to pass you. Keep your speed as constant as possible so the tailgater has a chance to judge if it’s safe to pass you. [2]