Avoiding Tailgating

A common complaint from clients is:- "I am encouraged to conform to speed limits but this appears to attract the problem of tailgaters"

Firstly, it may be helpful to appreciate that there is a difference between tailgating and driving too close. Tailgating is a wilful, deliberate and cynical attempt to intimidate another driver, instances of which are mercifully few (certainly in this country). Driving too close, however, is prevalent, and arises for various reasons.

Ignorance - most drivers just don't know about reaction times.
The lemming approach - everyone else is doing it.
Late for an appointment or meeting.
Preparing subconsciously for an overtake.
A reluctance to accept the speed of the flow, together with an urge to go faster.

I believe that in 95% of instances of being followed too closely (a reminder, a minimum of 2 seconds on dry roads, 4 secs in the wet), it is possible to influence the driver behind to back off. Here are some ideas that work for me.

1) Built-up areas. Adhere rigidly to the speed limit (or less if it's not safe to do 30).

If you exceed the limit by just a few miles per hour, you have already indicated to a following driver that you don't mind speeding. It then becomes an issue of by how much. So, you may expect the following driver to close up on you in an attempt to urge you to go even faster.

It helps to know the degree of inaccuracy of your speedo. Mine registers 32 mph at a dead 30 mph (and 76 at 70). A following driver will be suspicious of why you should be driving at exactly 32 and not 30. It is unusual behaviour and they will tend to pull back. At the same time, keep well left where you can. This conveys the message that they are welcome to overtake you.

Use acceleration sense. When you clear a restricted area or a hazard, move smartly up to a faster speed, appropriate to the conditions. Very few drivers use acceleration positively, and are surprised by those that do.

2) Rural roads. If you are followed too closely on a rural road, this can signify that you are not keeping up with the flow. However, remember that the following driver may be prepared (or be ignorant enough) to drive at a speed greater than that in which he can stop in the distance seen to be clear.

Generally speaking, if vehicles in front of you are progressing at a respectable speed and you are maintaining a good 2 second gap, it is reasonable to assume that it is safe for you to be doing the same speed. And if you practise and develop your cornering technique (see Roadcraft), the likelihood is that you will be getting round most bends faster and more stylishly than those behind. So, providing you are meeting their expectations, they will give you space. Maintain the gap but keep up with the flow. Remember that by far the greatest majority of motorists are comfortable at 50 mph or less on rural roads. If you can keep your own speed up, you are unlikely to be followed too closely.

3) Motorways. Here it is all about style. Don't be afraid to use lane one. Many car drivers won't because they don't have the skills to get out again. Signal a lane change in plenty of time - allow 5 seconds before you start to move out. Develop the confidence to know that when you signal to move over, someone will let you in. They usually do if given sufficient time. Try to make every manoeuvre on the motorway smooth, decisive and pre-planned. However, please remember that your signal is just a request. Don't move into the path of a vehicle which is gaining on you - the driver may not be aware of you and any collision, braking or swerve by that driver will be blamed on you.

4) Stopping in town. "Tyres and tarmac" is not enough. Leave a good car's length in front of you. Vehicles stopping behind you will tend to copy.