What do you do when being tailgated? (Houston: insurance, law)

[blkgiraffe]

I just don't see why you guys have to make everything so difficult. Just get out the way. No need to upset and anger driver on the road; that's not a good idea. This is one of the many things that lead to road rage. Even if you're going 100 and someone comes up behind you doing 120; don't challenge them; just move.

[tropicsboy2000]

During my September visit to Houston, I was fortunate enough not to have been tailgated. When I move there I am going to use the same strategy I use in Miami. When tailgated, I try to safely pullover into another lane. If that is not possible (which is sometimes the case), I slowly decrease my speed dramatically. This usually causes the other driver to go around. As for me I usually try to keep up with the traffic flow/speed. I don't want any trouble but I can't accomodate every jerk out there.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by Svensk08

In my experience, nothing works to deter certain tailgaters:

1. Some people who tailgate have very poor depth perception and simply cannot tell how close they are to the vehicle in front. This can be due to a physical disability or even DUI.

2. Those drivers who talk on their cell phones, text or are otherwise distracted are multitasking and often have no idea of the distance between their vehicle and the one in front. Recent studies show the human brain can perform only one or two tasks really well at one time.

3. People who are lots more important than I am think that riding my bumper will make me go as far over the speed limit as they're driving, or even pull over so they can sweep past.

This.

I hate it when I make space in front of me on the fwy (going appropriate speeds in which ever lane I'm in) and yahoos decide to squeeze in so there's no more room for error/evasive action.

And I still can't get over the people who use the shoulder to pass you in the slow lane. Drivers here are just dangerous!

[DanielWayne]

Originally Posted by Sampaguita

This.

I hate it when I make space in front of me on the fwy (going appropriate speeds in which ever lane I'm in) and yahoos decide to squeeze in so there's no more room for error/evasive action.

And I still can't get over the people who use the shoulder to pass you in the slow lane. Drivers here are just dangerous!

That is one of my biggest peeves, too. I try to keep a safe distance, and then some clown forces me to brake suddenly just so they can shave 30 seconds off their drive.

[caliking]

For most tailgaters, every single mph counts. So slowing down by say 5mph usually aggravates them enough that they will go around rather than continue to follow you. This is of course assuming that you are not in the passing/left lane.

And it counts to be sensible when driving, even if others can't be. Often times the person weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and in such a rush is found a few miles later pulled over tby the cops. Happens almost every Thursday at lunchtime when I am driving on 288 from one worksite to another.

[Dopo]

<behtypa>
Where you driving on the left lane of the highway?

[HoustonRonnie]

I do the following:

1. Slow down.

2. At night, I adjust my rear view mirror so his light are shining back into his own eyes.

3. If on the freeway, I match the speed of a car next to me.

4. I never hit the brakes. Never have to.

Ronnie

[crone]

If possible, I just move over and let them pass. The road out of my subdivision is 2 lane 30 MPH with plentiful police. Many ppl desire 50. I will signal and pull over on the grass and let them pass. They usually slow down.

I drive the slowest lane on the freeway anyway.

DH has been rear ended 3 times in the past 2 years while stopped at traffic lights. Some folks are not paying attention.

[DanielWayne]

Originally Posted by HoustonRonnie

I do the following:

1. Slow down.

2. At night, I adjust my rear view mirror so his light are shining back into his own eyes.

3. If on the freeway, I match the speed of a car next to me.

4. I never hit the brakes. Never have to.

Ronnie

HAHAHAHA

[EasilyAmused]

Take my foot off the gas AND wash the windsheild.