How to Handle Tailgaters: Stay Safe on the Road!

We’ve all experienced that annoying feeling of someone driving too close to your car’s bumper, also commonly known as tailgating. For those who haven’t, it is a phenomenon that occurs when there isn’t sufficient space between your car and the one in front or behind you. This not only increases the chances of collision but also puts you and the passenger’s life at risk.

Did you know a large number of road accidents and crashes take place due to tailgating? It leads to higher chances of crashes that cause severe injuries such as damage to the spinal cord, brain injuries, etc. These injuries could also lead to paralysis and other chronic conditions that have no cure. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the importance of practising safe driving habits on the road. Let’s explore more into tailgating and things you could do to handle tailgaters better.

What is Tailgating?

Imagine you’re in a queue for something, and the person behind you is standing so close to you that it makes you uncomfortable. That is tailgating. The only difference is that instead of people in a line, tailgating refers to vehicles having insufficient space between each other. It causes several risks, such as reduced reaction time, limited visibility, chain reaction accidents, etc.

When a vehicle tailgates behind you, it usually does not have enough stopping space. This means that if you suddenly decelerate, the vehicle behind you will not have enough time to come to a stop and cause a rear-end collision. Most rear-end collisions lead to severe spinal or brain injuries. Therefore, it is essential to follow appropriate safety protocols while driving to ensure a smooth and accident-free ride.

Key Tailgating Safety Tips

You may not tailgate a vehicle, but it’s very common to find yourself in a situation surrounded by other tailgaters. Such scenarios can often cause stress and pressurise you to speed up. Here are some essential tailgating safety tips you must follow instead.

1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Follow the 2-second rule while driving, which implies that there should at least be a 2-second distance between two vehicles. Furthermore, if the road conditions are bad or in case of poor weather conditions, it is best to increase this gap.

To know if you’re following too closely, choose a stationary object on the side of the road and observe the vehicle in front of you. When the vehicle passes that object, start counting slowly, and if you cross the object before finishing five counts, you’re following too closely.

2. Avoid Brake Checking

Drivers often think that sudden brake checking will teach tailgaters a lesson. However, brake checking can cause collisions and put your life at risk. Furthermore, it can also instigate the driver to get more aggressive. Instead, use your tail lights to signal other vehicles about your intentions.

3. Let Tailgaters Pass

Maintain a steady speed or try changing lanes to let the tailgater pass. If they continue to be aggressive, consider pulling over. This will allow them to take over and minimise the risk of accidents.

4. Stay Calm and Avoid Eye Contact

It is easy to lose your calm in such a situation; however, this might lead you to potentially engage in aggressive behaviour. Ensure you practice patience and focus your attention on the road. Additionally, it can be tempting to stare at the driver tailgating you through your rear-view mirror; nevertheless, this can cause you to lose your focus. Therefore, drive courteously and keep your mind at ease.

5. Use your Signals Early

Signalling early ensures that the tailgater is aware of your intentions well in advance. If you signal at the last moment before making a turn or changing lanes, there is a high chance of the tailgating vehicle bumping into your car as you turn.

6. Don’t Engage with Aggressive Drivers

As frustrating as it may seem, do not indulge in any actions that could provoke the tailgater. Avoid any contact as far as possible and try to maintain a steady speed to reduce the chances of collision.

Tailgating Laws: What Does the Law Say?

While there aren’t any specific tailgating laws in India, it falls under general traffic regulations particularly under sections of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. It can be counted as a form of rash or negligent driving potentially leading to penalties. Irrespective of who indulges in tailgating, it is the easiest way to cause a crash, risking lives of the passengers of both vehicles involved in the process.

You might not sense you’re in danger which would lead to braking late and leading to an accident. Therefore, the law expects drivers to follow the necessary traffic rules, avoid rash driving and follow safe driving practices to prevent accidents and crashes.

Conclusion

Most often, people tend to ignore tailgating as an annoying habit, but the risks of such behaviour are much higher than you might think. It is a life-threatening habit that can cost someone their life. Driving is a skill that one must keep learning with time. No amount of experience is ever enough when you hit the road. It is impossible to predict the challenges that can come your way. However, knowing these tailgating safety tips and following safe driving practices can lessen the number of road accidents to a great extent. Next time you find yourself in a situation where you are being tailgated, you know exactly what to do. Drive courteously and contribute to a safe driving environment for all.

FAQs

1. What does it mean to be a tailgater?

It means driving too closely to the vehicle in front, making it difficult for the driver to change lanes or stop carefully without causing collisions.

2. How much distance should I keep between my car and the vehicle in front of me?

Maintain at least a 2-second gap between your vehicle and that in front of you. Increase this distance if the driving conditions aren’t up to the mark. For example, bad weather, poor road conditions, high traffic, etc.

3. What are the penalties for tailgating?

Tailgating falls under the Motor Vehicle Act of India and can result in penalties such as fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.