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3 Ways to Safely Handle a Tailgating Driver

Whitesell Collision • June 2, 2021

Everyone has had an interaction with an aggressive tailgater at some time throughout their driving career. If you find yourself in this situation, the right approach can help you avoid an accident and the subsequent car repairs. Here's how to safely navigate any scenario involving a tailgater.

How to Stay Safe When You're Being Tailgated

1. Remain Alert

Ideally, the best approach is to avoid tailgaters entirely. If you notice someone tailing another car ahead of you or in an adjacent lane, attempt to stay as far away from them as possible while obeying traffic regulations. Pay close attention to the movements of the motorist following you in your rear-view mirror to determine if it is safer to move or allow them to pass.

2. Get Out of the Way

If you can't avoid the tailgating driver, you'll likely have to get out of their way. If you're driving on a multi-lane highway, use your turn signal and change lanes when it's safe to do so. Tailgaters in two-lane, no-passing zones might be a little more difficult to get away from, but you can avoid an accident by pulling over to a safe location, such as a parking lot or side street, and waiting for them to pass.

3. Follow the Speed Limit

Don't be tempted to go faster than you're comfortable with, no matter how quickly the driver behind you is driving. Keeping control of your car and driving safely should be the top priority. Driving at a high speed can also make an accident more significant and require more costly car repairs. If you maintain a constant pace, the tailgater may take advantage of the opportunity to drive past you.

Even if you practice safe driving around tailgaters, accidents can still happen. When they do, the team at Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA, will perform the necessary car repairs to get you back on the road as soon as possible. For over 70 years, this family-owned and -operated auto body shop has provided drivers throughout Shenandoah Valley with a broad of auto maintenance services. Call (540) 943-3361 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about how they can repair your vehicle.

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