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Tailgating, what is the best course of action?

  • 11-11-2009 12:27pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭


    I was driving to Clonmel at the weekend, it was early in the morning and was still darkish. For most of the way there was a guy within about 3 feet of my bumper.

    I was accompanied at the time by my father, he just said ignore him but the guy's lights were blinding me, even after deflecting the mirror. Every time there was a corner, his lights would blind me through my wing mirrors. I was at or near the speed limit for most of it as it was a straight enough stretch.

    What is the best course of action to take here?

    I think my fathers probably right to just ignore him but if I had to stop suddenly the other driver would be sitting in my back seats.


«1

Comments

  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,043 ✭✭✭me_right_one


    Well, what I would do is move up until the fella in front couldnt see my headlights anymore. No more blinding. Problem solved;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭Rulmeq


    Slow down and let him pass, if there is a safe place to pull over do that.

    Don't let other drivers get on your nerves, it's difficult enough to concentrate on your own driving. Also the road is not the place to be taking a stance for the high moral ground, let them pass, and let that be the end of it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 532 ✭✭✭ki


    Rulmeq wrote: »
    Slow down and let him pass, if there is a safe place to pull over do that.

    Don't let other drivers get on your nerves, it's difficult enough to concentrate on your own driving. Also the road is not the place to be taking a stance for the high moral ground, let them pass, and let that be the end of it.


    +1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,734 ✭✭✭✭Penn


    There's not a lot you can do to be honest. I would normally gently apply the brakes just enough that the brake lights come on but I still travel at pretty much the same speed, then obviously speed up. A few times of that normally does the trick, although for a learner driver, it might not be advisable as you could press the brakes too hard and, as you said, the driver would end up in your back seat.

    The hazard lights may be another option although it could cause the car behind to slam on his brakes which could cause an accident.

    Tailgaters are a nuisance, but there's not much you can do about them. Safest option would be to pull in, indicating well in advance and just let them past. Shouldn't have to do that, but it would be the safest option for a learner driver in my opinion


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 108 ✭✭neil_purdy


    Hit the brakes and see how much of a good driver he is...:D

    Terrible advice i know...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,430 ✭✭✭RustyNut


    Rulmeq wrote: »
    Slow down and let him pass, if there is a safe place to pull over do that.

    Don't let other drivers get on your nerves, it's difficult enough to concentrate on your own driving. Also the road is not the place to be taking a stance for the high moral ground, let them pass, and let that be the end of it.

    +2


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭wayne0308


    Rulmeq wrote: »
    Slow down and let him pass if there is a safe place to pull over do that.

    Don't let other drivers get on your nerves, it's difficult enough to concentrate on your own driving. Also the road is not the place to be taking a stance for the high moral ground, let them pass, and let that be the end of it.

    No no not at all, I've only been driving a few months so I'm certainly not taking any moral high ground. I wouldn't be my place to do that with my experience.

    This is the thing you see, Its a rural road which is fairly bendy so there wouldn't have been much of a chance for over taking. I did slow down a bit on the straights but the opportunity didn't show itself with oncoming traffic. I could have parked up I suppose or turned off. But it just seemed so dangerous at the time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,041 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    I would allow the vehicle to slow right down gradually. The following driver will then either overtake you or get the message.

    (BTW - 3 feet is probably a bit of an exaggeration. If he/she was 3 ft fron your rear bumper, you wouldn't see his/her lights).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    You are lucky enough you live in Ireland, where tailgating is pretty rare.
    Actualy for few years driving in this country it happend to me just few times that someone was tailgating.
    In Poland - where I originally come from - tailgating is pretty common.
    Some people are tailgating, because they want to overtake you and they think, the closer to you they are, the easier it will be to overtake. Thats obviously mistake, because it's not only more difficult to overtake, but also it can be very dangerous. Other people are tailgating just like that - thats their driving technique - which is very poor certainly.

    What can you do.
    1. You can slam on a breaks and let the guy hit your back.
    It can be dangerous, but definitly he'll learn something from it. And you can get money from his insurance for a new car.
    (I don't advise anyone to do it)

    2. You can press your brake very gently just to lit your stop-lights. Can repeat this few times. Mayby guy behind will understand, that you don't feel comfortable when someone's tailgating.

    3. You can accelerate, and leave him behind, but probably it's not very good idea, because you shoud drive with speed you feel is good and safe for you.

    4. (what I usually do) Just slow down. It's said everyone should keep safe distance to the car in the front. He doesen. You cannot lower the distance, because it's all up to the guy in behind. But you can lower the speed. At smaller speed, the distance he's keeping might be safe then. Actually for your exaple with 3 feet you would probably have to slow down to about 10mph or lower to make it safe distance. Anyway, I would do that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,475 ✭✭✭bitemybanger


    A big green golly out the sunroof, should find its mark:D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,041 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    CiniO wrote: »
    And you can get money from his insurance for a new car
    A new car is very useful when you are dead or in a wheelchair wearing a nappy and being fed through a tube! :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,788 ✭✭✭ztoical


    CiniO wrote: »
    You are lucky enough you live in Ireland, where tailgating is pretty rare.

    It might be rare for some but it's very common for people in smaller cars [like Micra's] or people with L plates. When I had L plates I found I was nearly always tailgated but at the time figured I must be driving too slow or doing something wrong. When the L plates came down [after passing my test] I was still tailgated but had got use to it. Then I started driving my dads Land Rover and wow what a difference. Never tailgated when driving that. Friend had to drive his girlfriends Micra while his car was in the shop and he nearly went nuts with people tailgating him.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    A new car is very useful when you are dead or in a wheelchair wearing a nappy and being fed through a tube! :rolleyes:

    That's why I wrote that I don't advice anyone to do it.

    It was just to let you guys know, that there are places in this world, where people do it.
    (I mean crashing cars intentionaly just to get money from someones insurance).
    It's probably very risky, but it happens.

    Anyway, best what you can do to prevent tailgating is just slow down and let the guy overtake you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    ztoical wrote: »
    It might be rare for some but it's very common for people in smaller cars [like Micra's] or people with L plates. When I had L plates I found I was nearly always tailgated but at the time figured I must be driving too slow or doing something wrong. When the L plates came down [after passing my test] I was still tailgated but had got use to it. Then I started driving my dads Land Rover and wow what a difference. Never tailgated when driving that. Friend had to drive his girlfriends Micra while his car was in the shop and he nearly went nuts with people tailgating him.


    Thats pretty interesting conclusion.

    It means smaller cars are more likely to be tailgated, even when travelling with the same speed as bigger cars.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    If someone is tailgating you in the dark, then I would advise pulling in as soon as is safe and letting them pass you. It doesn't matter if you're a learner or an experienced driver. I'd much rather have the lunatic away from me than behind me.

    I experienced this a few weeks ago on my way down to Blessington in the dark. Some muppet was right on my backside in the dark. I find that incredibly scary, that driver is putting both of us in danger by being so close. So I pulled in and let them pass. Much safer for me - if they want to be a danger, then let them.

    I'm not a fan of the tapping the brakes technique. You simply can't predict what will happen - you might slip on the road, they might slip etc. Just concentrate on driving carefully and let them pass you as soon as is convenient.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    dudara wrote: »

    I'm not a fan of the tapping the brakes technique. You simply can't predict what will happen - you might slip on the road, they might slip etc. Just concentrate on driving carefully and let them pass you as soon as is convenient.

    You can always tap on the breaks so gently, that thay won't slow down the car at all.
    If someone is experinced, can always try to very gently press the brake pedal with left foot, while right one still on the gas pedal.
    This way you won't slow down at all.

    I don't advise doing it to anyone, before doing some training.
    Left foot is usually just used to clutch which is always pressed to the bottem. So it's very likely if you press break with your left foot, you'll press it way too strong. But just a little of practice, and anyone can learn it.

    About letting someone pass you.
    If everyone will react like this to tailgaters, they might start use tailgating, as way to make cars pull over and make place for them for overtaking.

    I wouldn't go to far with it.
    Just Gardai should pay mora attention to tailgeters and give them big penalties.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,788 ✭✭✭ztoical


    CiniO wrote: »
    Thats pretty interesting conclusion.

    It means smaller cars are more likely to be tailgated, even when travelling with the same speed as bigger cars.

    It's come up in a number of threads on this forum - here for example - a number of people have posted saying they found massive increase in tailgating when driving a car with L plates and since the law was changed there's been an increase in small cars, associated with learners like a Micra, being tailgated as silly people assume the person driving such a car must be an L driver whose taken their L plates down.


    Regarding taping the brakes I wouldn't rec that no matter how good a driver you might think you are. It's dangerous as you don't know what the driver behind you is like and how they will react. Best approach is to pull in when safe to do so and let them overtake.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    ztoical wrote: »

    Regarding taping the brakes I wouldn't rec that no matter how good a driver you might think you are. It's dangerous as you don't know what the driver behind you is like and how they will react. Best approach is to pull in when safe to do so and let them overtake.

    When pulling in you also have to slow down some way, posiibly by pressing your break.
    I just recomended, to press your break very gently, no to make any braking effort, but just to lit your break lights.
    This will most likely move guy in behind bit further. At least for some time.

    If someone likes electics, it's probably pretty easy to make a small button on the dashboard, which would lit your break lights.


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,536 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    I drive a small car and its very clear alot of idiots make assumptions about small cars

    One common one is people speed up behind me and go to over take then while in the middle of overtaking they realise I'm not going 60km and instead am traveling 100km so they can't easily overtake me on the road in question.

    This must happen to me twice a week, its annoying and shows how stupid some people can be assuming small car = slow speed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 428 ✭✭wayne0308


    So far there's excellent advice, thanks to all people who have replied.

    On main roads, especially where there are hard shoulders I would always try make space for overtaking (If I didn't notice the person come up, my instructor/accompanying driver would tell me to make a bit of room)

    It was really this specific situation where you are on a rural road with width enough for two cars going side by side that I really wasn't sure what was best to do. I guess when you get to know the road you would be aware of potential spots where you could either pull over if there was enough oncoming traffic to stop him from overtaking normally.

    I'll discuss it with my instructor at the weekend also and see what he thinks.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    CiniO wrote: »
    When pulling in you also have to slow down some way, posiibly by pressing your break.
    I just recomended, to press your break very gently, no to make any braking effort, but just to lit your break lights.
    This will most likely move guy in behind bit further. At least for some time.

    If someone likes electics, it's probably pretty easy to make a small button on the dashboard, which would lit your break lights.

    Still wouldn't do it. I may know how much pressure to apply to just make my brakelights light up, but I can't predict how the numpty behind me is going to react.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 908 ✭✭✭Overature


    if your on the duel carrige way or moter way stay in the slow lane, (left hand side) or stick you hand out the window and make the V sign


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,788 ✭✭✭ztoical


    dudara wrote: »
    Still wouldn't do it. I may know how much pressure to apply to just make my brakelights light up, but I can't predict how the numpty behind me is going to react.

    + 1 If I was going to pull in I would indicate before going anywhere near the break or on larger roads with good hard shoulders you need only to move into the side without breaking but even then I would be very careful as you just don't know what the person behind will do.

    In the situation the OP found themselves with no room to pull in, at night on a coutry road there isn't a whole lot of options other then just driving as carefully as you can, don't let them bully you into speeding up or driving dangerously. Taping breaks needless on those types of roads can be very dangerous. Yes the other car is driving very badly and if something was to suddenly jump out in front of the OP forcing them to break there could be an awful acident but taping breaks or trying pull in on roads where there simply isn't enough room can be just as dangerous.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭trevorku


    You could stop suddenly and get your own back, coz if he r/ends you, then you can claim off his insurance, including 'whiplash' tee hehe.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,210 ✭✭✭20goto10


    Just a point here - you say his lights were blinding you in the mirror. That would suggest to me he was actually keeping his distance. It all depends on the car of course, but usually you will not see the lights when being tail gated. There is a certain angle needed for his lights to hit your mirror and in most cases it requires him to be a bit back from you.

    It is very annoying when that happens but I'd put it down to being unlucky that he just happens to be at that spot where it happens.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,041 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    wayne0308 wrote: »
    On main roads, especially where there are hard shoulders I would always try make space for overtaking (If I didn't notice the person come up, my instructor/accompanying driver would tell me to make a bit of room)
    I know it's not a popular thing to say but strictly speaking, you shouldn't move into the hard shoulder to allow another motorist to pass. The hard shoulder is not intended for driving on and, you would fail an advanced driving test for doing so.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,222 ✭✭✭robbie_998


    well if i had my way now it'd be slowing down a bit more and swaying all over the road pretending to be drunk so the cnut behind will be to scared to pass. :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    I know it's not a popular thing to say but strictly speaking, you shouldn't move into the hard shoulder to allow another motorist to pass. The hard shoulder is not intended for driving on and, you would fail an advanced driving test for doing so.

    Why not?
    You can find in "Rules of The Road" statement saying that if you want let someone overtake you, you can move to the hard shoulder.

    It's strictly forbidden on motorways.
    But on other roads it's ok.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭Rulmeq


    I know it's not a popular thing to say but strictly speaking, you shouldn't move into the hard shoulder to allow another motorist to pass. The hard shoulder is not intended for driving on and, you would fail an advanced driving test for doing so.

    It's ok on normal roads (non-motorway) in the republic
    http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for-driving/traffic-signs-road-markings/road-markings.html

    It's complelty forbidden in the UK though, and very often you will notice UK & NI registered camper vans refusing to pull over, which while frustrating, just means they are obeying the rules they know (at least I think it is, other wise they are just being really rude :) )


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,183 ✭✭✭jobless


    a few times ive just thrown the hazard lights on, that seemed to get the message across i wasnt happy with them.... worth trying anyway


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,316 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    How to cause a car crash. Step one:
    I would normally gently apply the brakes just enough that the brake lights come on but I still travel at pretty much the same speed, then obviously speed up. A few times of that normally does the trick, although for a learner driver, it might not be advisable as you could press the brakes too hard and, as you said, the driver would end up in your back seat.
    jobless wrote: »
    a few times ive just thrown the hazard lights on, that seemed to get the message across i wasnt happy with them.... worth trying anyway
    That's actually the best suggestion I've heard yet.

    =-=

    As a rule, I would rather honk, than tailgate. And that would only be if I came across someone doing the same speed in the overtaking lane, or slower, than someone in the normal lane.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,151 ✭✭✭aero2k


    One point that hasn't been mentioned yet:
    If the car behind is too close, then you need to be sure to leave a larger than usual (maybe twice as large as usual) gap to any vehicle in front of you, so if that vehicle has to do an emergency stop you can do a more gradual one and lessen the risk of being rear-ended.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭green123


    CiniO wrote: »
    Just Gardai should pay mora attention to tailgeters and give them big penalties.

    unfortunately they never do


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,844 ✭✭✭Honey-ec


    I can't believe people are actually advising a learner driver to brake-test a tailgater. Jesus Christ.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 986 ✭✭✭Typhoon.


    Fog light ! :p


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,252 ✭✭✭Sterling Archer


    I would advise it at all.... it never happened me when i was a learner but i'd suggest lowering your speed, ignoring them and letting them pass asap,

    But i have had it happen to me and i ignored him and he refused to pass so i left foot braked and lit up the brake lights, this didn't work so i fog lighted him, That worked :cool:

    But whenever i had to drive quickly (goin to hospital:( ) i just flashed my lights once or twice and most people realised i was behind them and let me pass (always thanked them with the hazards:D )


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 7,396 Mod ✭✭✭✭**Timbuk2**


    Never speed up if you are being tailgated. In general, tailgaters will always remain right behind you, even if you speed up. However, if you slow down gently, and they still remain close, they can stop much quicker if you slam on your brakes, such as in the case of an emergency.

    Slow down gradually, and they should pass as soon as it becomes safe.

    Don't slow down with the gears or anything - let them see your brakelight, even if you are only applying a tiny bit of pressure on the pedal. If they are tailgaiting, they will be paying very close attention to your brakelights.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    If they are tailgaiting, they will be paying very close attention to your brakelights.

    I wouldn't make this assumption. A lot of people are barely sentient while driving.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,149 ✭✭✭J_R


    Hi,

    You were of course tavelling a safe distance from the left and not hogging the center of the road. ???

    Tailgating is dangerous, which is why it is a two penalty point offence. if you have to brake suddenly the car behind WILL hit you so you should immediately correct the situation.

    Slow down, you can now safely move a little closer to the left, this now gives the following car a better chance to overtake. If he can not, too bad. But if you now have to brake suddenly much less danger of serious damage/injury.

    I would not continue on at speed. Too dangerous.

    However, if the distance he is behind is uncomfortable rather dangerously close then you could try your windscreen washer. Quite often water goes over your roof and this will then land on his windscreen. When you see his wipers stop, do it again. If it is a common occurrence you could set one of the jets a little high.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 368 ✭✭DrivingInfo


    J_R wrote: »
    Hi,

    You were of course tavelling a safe distance from the left and not hogging the center of the road. ???
    You should not be too close to the left or the line.
    Tailgating is dangerous, which is why it is a two penalty point offence. if you have to brake suddenly the car behind WILL hit you so you should immediately correct the situation.
    ONLY IF YOU CAN! How would you correct this on a narrow road with a lot of bends. The driver behind is at fault if you need to break for a child that comes out on to the road on a bike. I am not saying you should speed on, but pay attention to the road IN FRONT of you and Only move in where it is safe to do so.
    My family were involved in the emergency services for over 30 years and the biggest problem the had were people pulling in where they should NOT and end up blocking them. WHAT IF THE TAILGATER IS A UNMARKED CAR HEADING TO YOUR HOUSE? or A FIREMAN ON HIS/HER WAY THE YOUR HOUSE?
    Slow down, you can now safely move a little closer to the left, this now gives the following car a better chance to overtake. If he can not, too bad. But if you now have to brake suddenly much less danger of serious damage/injury.
    Complete bull. you should break early to give early warning to the idiot behind you that you are slowing, then you should move in BUT and a BIG BUT, you ONLY MOVE IN WHEN IT IS SAFE.
    I would not continue on at speed. Too dangerous.
    What if it is dangerous to slow? Your thinking is so one track it beggers’ belief.
    However, if the distance he is behind is uncomfortable rather dangerously close then you could try your windscreen washer. Quite often water goes over your roof and this will then land on his windscreen. When you see his wipers stop, do it again. If it is a common occurrence you could set one of the jets a little high.
    If you are a Driving Instructor I would suggest you back to train because your inciting dangerous driving here.
    NEVER DO THE WIPERS.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,222 ✭✭✭robbie_998


    oh heres a good one...

    "Oh no, some sort of animal on the road. i must avoid it somehow !

    /slams on brakes (screeech craash pow)

    "oh no i have crashed, but no worries it was the guy behind me who is at fault :) )

    in an accident like that the guy behind will be in a world of debt :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 368 ✭✭DrivingInfo


    robbie_998 wrote: »
    oh heres a good one...

    "Oh no, some sort of animal on the road. i must avoid it somehow !

    /slams on brakes (screeech craash pow)

    "oh no i have crashed, but no worries it was the guy behind me who is at fault :) )

    in an accident like that the guy behind will be in a world of debt :)

    +1 animal run out, i'm worried about idiot behind/ he's so near / ill move in / bang / hit person walking.

    Driver Behind says:
    you should be looking where you going / you ran over that person / I saw the hole thing garda / he just pulled in for know reason and ran over the person walking...

    End of story...
    R.I.P


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,536 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    If you are a Driving Instructor I would suggest you back to train because your inciting dangerous driving here.
    NEVER DO THE WIPERS.

    so ok tailgating is ok but windscreen wipers is not?
    Your kidding me right


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,536 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    robbie_998 wrote: »
    oh heres a good one...

    "Oh no, some sort of animal on the road. i must avoid it somehow !

    /slams on brakes (screeech craash pow)

    "oh no i have crashed, but no worries it was the guy behind me who is at fault :) )

    in an accident like that the guy behind will be in a world of debt :)

    Oh here's a better one...

    "Oh **** I've just been hit by the tool behind me and now I've ended up with spinal cord injury's and am in a wheel chair for life...nice one!"

    or better yet...

    "DEAD"

    Yep, world of debt alright....

    :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭muboop1


    CiniO wrote: »
    Thats pretty interesting conclusion.

    It means smaller cars are more likely to be tailgated, even when travelling with the same speed as bigger cars.

    yeh but i think the main reason is, with big cars you cannot see around them or "through" them as you could with a micra, so people tend to stay back so they can see...

    feel safer and all that...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,149 ✭✭✭J_R


    J_R wrote: »
    Hi,
    You were of course travelling a safe distance from the left and not hogging the center of the road. ???.
    You should not be too close to the left or the line..

    where exactly in the above statement did I imply to drive close to the left or the line. And line ? what line ???. Do you not understand what "a safe distance from the left" actually means ????
    J_R wrote: »

    Tailgating is dangerous, which is why it is a two penalty point offence. if you have to brake suddenly the car behind WILL hit you so you should immediately correct the situation. .
    ONLY IF YOU CAN! How would you correct this on a narrow road with a lot of bends. The driver behind is at fault if you need to break for a child that comes out on to the road on a bike. I am not saying you should speed on, but pay attention to the road IN FRONT of you and Only move in where it is safe to do so.
    My family were involved in the emergency services for over 30 years and the biggest problem the had were people pulling in where they should NOT and end up blocking them. WHAT IF THE TAILGATER IS A UNMARKED CAR HEADING TO YOUR HOUSE? or A FIREMAN ON HIS/HER WAY THE YOUR HOUSE?.

    ONLY IF YOU CAN Road with bends - with an idiot on your bumper, ?. All the more reason to slow down, . If I must brake hard and get shunted by said idiot behind resulting in serious injury/death to me or other human/animal, who was to blame would be of no consequence.

    Only move in where it is safe to do so
    Did I not say that
    J_R wrote: »
    Slow down, you can now safely move a little closer to the left

    WHAT IF THE TAILGATER IS A UNMARKED CAR HEADING TO YOUR HOUSE? or A FIREMAN ON HIS/HER WAY THE YOUR HOUSE?.


    If they were on an emergency call they would be using their sirens/lights. If they were properly trained drivers they would still not tailgate. So being the good driver that I am and saw blue lights approaching from the rear I would pull in at the very first available and suitable spot. Suitable of course means leaving sufficient room to overtake. Simple.
    J_R wrote: »
    Slow down, you can now safely move a little closer to the left, this now gives the following car a better chance to overtake. If he can not, too bad. But if you now have to brake suddenly much less danger of serious damage/injury.
    Complete bull. you should break early to give early warning to the idiot behind you that you are slowing, then you should move in BUT and a BIG BUT, you ONLY MOVE IN WHEN IT IS SAFE.

    Please advise how I can brake early for an emergency.
    ONLY MOVE IN WHEN IT IS SAFE. Already said that
    J_R wrote: »
    I would not continue on at speed. Too dangerous.
    What if it is dangerous to slow? Your thinking is so one track it beggers’ belief.

    By slowing I of course mean easing off the gas and MAGIC, the car gradually slows. Please explain in what situation it would be safer to continue on at speed. Remember this is about an illegal tailgater, not a hi-jacker, emergency vehicles or whatever.
    J_R wrote: »
    However, if the distance he is behind is uncomfortable rather dangerously close then you could try your windscreen washer. Quite often water goes over your roof and this will then land on his windscreen. When you see his wipers stop, do it again. If it is a common occurrence you could set one of the jets a little high.
    If you are a Driving Instructor I would suggest you back to train because your inciting dangerous driving here.
    NEVER DO THE WIPERS.[/QUOTE]
    I am a driving instructor and a very good one, only fault, I give out too much, not enough praise.

    NEVER DO THE WIPERS. So, never use the windscreen washer (?) in case some water might land on the windscreen of the following car. Have searched and searched but can not find any reference in the rules and regulations. Please supply a link


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,788 ✭✭✭ztoical


    J_R wrote: »
    However, if the distance he is behind is uncomfortable rather dangerously close then you could try your windscreen washer. Quite often water goes over your roof and this will then land on his windscreen. When you see his wipers stop, do it again. If it is a common occurrence you could set one of the jets a little high.

    Ok seriously should you be spending so much time looking in your mirror? Honestly doing something like that is asking someone to give too much attention to the tailgater when their focus should be on the road in front not behind. Plus in the OP's case they were driving at night.

    Seriously move out of the way if you can, if not focus on driving safe, keep your eyes on the road in front and don't be bullied or distracted by the idoit behind you. Flashing hazards, taping breaks, making hand gestures - all not advisable cus you don't know how the person behind you is going to react. 99 out of 100 people might understand what your doing but you'll get the one twit who misunderstands your single as "it's ok to try and over take me" and you end up with an accident. All you can control is your own driving so that's what you should focus on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,149 ✭✭✭J_R


    ztoical wrote: »
    Ok seriously should you be spending so much time looking in your mirror? Honestly doing something like that is asking someone to give too much attention to the tailgater when their focus should be on the road in front not behind. Plus in the OP's case they were driving at night.

    Seriously move out of the way if you can, if not focus on driving safe, keep your eyes on the road in front and don't be bullied or distracted by the idoit behind you. Flashing hazards, taping breaks, making hand gestures - all not advisable cus you don't know how the person behind you is going to react. 99 out of 100 people might understand what your doing but you'll get the one twit who misunderstands your single as "it's ok to try and over take me" and you end up with an accident. All you can control is your own driving so that's what you should focus on.

    Totally agree, main priority concentrate on your own driving, also trying to communicate via hazards, brake lights etc can distract you and be misconstrued by the fellow behind.

    I did say when the car behind was not dangerously close you could give your windscreen washer a go.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 368 ✭✭DrivingInfo


    Originally Posted by J_R View Post
    However, if the distance he is behind is uncomfortable rather dangerously close then you could try your windscreen washer. Quite often water goes over your roof and this will then land on his windscreen. When you see his wipers stop, do it again. If it is a common occurrence you could set one of the jets a little high.

    If you think that this is good advice! "and your an ADI", well i can only say that you are an idiot and i would not trust a word that come out of your mouth.

    I also got one mark, for spending to much time with the under bonnet checks...
    you see i don't give out I teach...

    Regards


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 368 ✭✭DrivingInfo


    Cabaal wrote: »
    so ok tailgating is ok but windscreen wipers is not?
    Your kidding me right

    I missed this.. you know the wipers were suggested to spray water on the car behind and not for the purpose they are intended.
    :rolleyes:


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