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What to do when another driver tailgates you

On Behalf of | Jan 22, 2025 | Personal Injury

Road users owe each other a duty of care. The driver behind you should ensure they don’t engage in aggressive behaviors that may cause an accident. One of those behaviors being tailgating. 

Georgia requires drivers to maintain at least a 3-second space margin between their car and the one in front. Drivers should increase their following distance when driving behind a large vehicle, at night, during harsh weather or in poor road conditions.

If you are ahead of a driver who is less than three seconds from the rear of your vehicle or one who is observing the 3-second rule when an increment is necessary, here is what to do:

Stay calm 

Staying calm when dealing with a tailgater allows you to focus on the road as opposed to reacting to them. Besides, yelling, using gestures or slamming your brakes can escalate the situation because the other driver may become even more aggressive. 

Reacting to a tailgater can also increase the chances of an accident happening. For example, if you hard brake or make any other sudden movement, the tailgater may crash into you, seeing that they may not have expected your reaction or time to stop.

Maintain your speed

A tailgater can push you into speeding. While you may be tempted to do so, as it may seem the best way to increase the safe following distance, it can be risky. You need to maintain your speed. 

Give them way

When safe, move over to the right and let the tailgater pass. If you are on a single-lane road, pull over into a well-lit parking lot or gas station and let them pass.

Dealing with a tailgater can be stressful. That’s why you should be extra careful about your reaction to their behavior. If a tailgater injures you, obtain more information about fighting for your rights.