What to Do If Someone is Tailgating You—Stay Safe and Calm

Tailgating—that frustrating scenario where you feel someone’s front bumper is practically glued to your back seat. Ever been there? It’s one of those nerve-wracking moments every driver dreads, especially on those winding New Hampshire roads. Let’s break down what you should do if you find yourself in this sticky situation.

The Art of Staying Calm

First things first, you’ve got to keep your cool. It can be all too easy to let your frustration bubble over. But remember, you’re in control of your response. So, when you notice that tailgater inching closer, take a deep breath. Here’s the thing: you have options!

The Best Approach: Slow Down Gradually

The safest and most effective action you can take when being tailgated is to slow down gradually. Why? Great question!
By reducing your speed, you’re directly providing the following for the driver behind you:

• More time to react—a significant factor in avoiding any potential accidents.
• A clear opportunity to pass safely—you’re encouraging them to find a moment to overtake you without forcing them into risky maneuvers.

The moment you hit the brakes sharply, you might just provoke an even more dangerous situation. Picture this: braking suddenly could lead to a rear-end collision, which no one wants to experience. Not only can it be damaging to your vehicle, but it can also lead to injuries.
So again, slow down slightly. It makes the road a bit safer for everyone.

Why Speeding Up is Not the Answer

Now, you might instinctively want to speed up to get away from the tailgater—but here’s the kicker: that could actually backfire.

When you accelerate, you not only risk losing control but may also encourage the tailgater to drive even more aggressively. It’s like throwing a match on a pile of dry leaves—nothing good comes from that.

Changing Lanes—But Wait, How?

You might think about changing lanes to let them pass, but do it cautiously. Remember to signal! Changing lanes without a signal can surprise not just the tailgater, but also the traffic around you. In a state like New Hampshire, with its winding roads and unpredictable weather, making sudden movements can cause havoc.
Honestly, signaling isn’t just courteous; it’s essential for safety.

What About Braking? Just Don’t Do It

Okay, I get it—you’re feeling frustrated. But braking suddenly is a no-go. This can lead to catastrophic consequences, particularly if the person tailgating isn’t paying full attention (which is often the case). You’re better off staying steady and giving yourself and others enough time to react.

Remember to Stay Calm

It’s easy to let anger take the wheel, but responding with patience pays off. Keep in mind that we all have our off days—perhaps the tailgater is in a rush due to an emergency. While that doesn't excuse their behavior, approaching the situation with empathy can sometimes help us stay grounded.

What If They Don’t Pass?

So, what if the cars around you are tight and they just won’t budge? If you feel it’s safe, you can always look for a wide area to pull over temporarily until you have the chance to let them get around you. But whatever you do, keep that stressed-out energy at bay. Stay calm behind the wheel!

The Bottom Line

In those gut-wrenching moments where you're being tailgated, remember: slow down gradually. It encourages safe driving practices for both you and others on the road. Keep your composure, and you'll navigate through that tailgater situation successfully, turning road rage into road safety.

Next time you’re cruising along the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire and someone’s riding your tail, you’ve got the tools to handle it! Be vigilant, be strategic, and keep those driving skills sharp. After all, a relaxed driver can mean a safer road for everyone.