Few things feel more uncomfortable on the road than seeing a car riding just a few feet behind you. Tailgating isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Whether you're driving through traffic in Brentwood or cruising down a quiet highway, being tailgated puts unnecessary pressure on you and raises the risk of an accident.
Most rear-end collisions happen because someone is following too closely. The consequences can be serious if the driver behind you doesn’t have enough time to react when you slow down or stop. Knowing how to respond calmly and safely can make all the difference in these tense situations.
Why Tailgating Happens in the First Place
Tailgating can be caused by aggressive or impatient drivers who want you to move faster. Sometimes it’s unintentional—maybe the driver behind you is distracted or doesn’t realize how close they are. In other cases, the tailgater might be frustrated with traffic or trying to rush to their next destination.
Regardless of the reason, following another car too closely is a major risk. It leaves almost no room for reaction time, especially if you need to stop suddenly for a red light, a pedestrian, or road debris.
What You Should Never Do
The most important rule is to avoid reacting with anger or escalation. Tapping your brakes to “warn” the tailgater or speed up to create space can be tempting. But brake-checking or increasing your speed to escape only makes things more dangerous.
Brake-checking often leads to rear-end collisions and may be seen as aggressive driving. On the other hand, speeding reduces your control of the situation and could land you in trouble if there’s a sudden obstacle ahead or a change in road conditions.
Don’t engage with the tailgater through gestures or eye contact in the mirror. That kind of interaction can fuel road rage and doesn’t help you get out of the situation any faster.
How to Handle a Tailgater Safely
The safest thing you can do is stay calm and focused. Maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden moves. If you’re on a multi-lane road, signal and move over when it's safe to let the other driver pass. Letting them go around you takes them out of your space and returns control to you.
If you’re stuck on a single-lane road, increase your following distance from the car in front of you. That gives you more room to slow down gradually if needed, reducing the chance of the tailgater hitting you from behind.
In some areas, there may be designated pull-off zones or wide shoulders. Use them if traffic behind you becomes aggressive and you're unable to maintain a safe buffer.
What If the Tailgater Follows You
If you exit or turn, and the tailgater follows, things may be escalating. The best response is to avoid isolated roads and head toward public areas like a gas station, shopping center, or even a police or fire station. Don’t drive straight home, especially if you feel unsafe.
It’s rare for tailgating to become a serious confrontation, but if you think someone is following you aggressively, call the police and describe your location. Stay in your car with the doors locked until you’re in a safer environment.
Defensive Driving Goes a Long Way
Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and practicing defensive driving can reduce the likelihood of being caught off guard. That includes checking your mirrors frequently, keeping a safe following distance, and adjusting your speed based on traffic flow, not just the speed limit.
Tailgating is frustrating, but reacting with patience keeps the situation from getting worse. It may not feel fair, but letting go of pride and focusing on safety is always the smarter move.
Monkey Wrenches – Looking Out for Brentwood Drivers
At Monkey Wrenches in Brentwood, we believe safety starts with knowledge. Whether you need your brakes checked, your mirrors adjusted for better visibility, or just want to ensure your vehicle is ready for daily driving, we’ve got your back. Visit us today for service that puts your peace of mind first.