You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

 

[Kelmanj]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

 

[Kelmanj]

I dont tailgate but huge trucks on freeway to Southern Highlands where my mum used to live tailgate and its freaky as speed limit for trucks on the road is 100kmh and cars are 110kmh so these trucks are exceeding their speed limit and intimidating drivers.

 

[Ricci]

I don't tailgate as I'm rarely in that much of a rush but I do think it's everyone's problem. Gone are the days of good manners or chivalry on the roads. It used to be that if you knew you were in a slower moving vehicle and looking in your mirror you saw a bunch of vehicles you would look for somewhere to pull into to let them all pass. Those days are long gone and we are the poorer for their passing.

 

[Tipsy]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

never tailgated anyone, and if some one starts doing it to me then I start slowly slowing down, or operate the break lights without slowing if the first does not work or do the same vice versa

 

[Ian1]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

Admittedly I used to (in my younger years) drive much closer to the car in front than was wise. These days I take a few precautionary measures, mainly because I’m aware that my reflexes have slowed, so that when a car brakes in front of me, now I need extra moments to react and also brake. Now I plan to leave the house a few minutes earlier, and plan my trip to arrive a few minutes earlier as well (isn’t GPS a marvellous invention, calculating for us the quickest route, length of travel time and estimated arrival time!). I find these measures allow me to drive without so much stress, so I arrive relaxed and in plenty of time. There’s no need to rush and ‘toot’ everyone out of my way! I do enjoy driving, and I’d like to be around to enjoy it for longer!

 

[Singomate]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

I think we have all been a bit guilty of this, boy don't get caught going to slow in SE Queensland, road rage abuse and gestures that don't leave a lot to the imagination .

 

[Penny4]

I dislike tailgaters. They believe they are more important and with that thinking, I will drive faster over the speed limit just for them.

 

[saggitarius14]

When we were holidaying in England we noticed that there were painted chevrons on the roads. We were told that these were a distancing mark so you kept that space apart from the car in front of you. Brilliant!

 

[mummygoth]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

I don't tailgate. I do however slow down ever so gradually when being tailgated & add a gentle touch on the brakes. if that doesn't work then I do it again, but slightly firmer on the brake. When they finally overtake I usually catch them up at the next red light or when traffic slows anyway. I'm not a fan of stickers but recently saw 2 that I might consider. "The closer you get the slower I go" & my favourite "Free airbag check for tailgaters"

 

[Jolou]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

It drives me crazy when this happens. Which is often. I have taken to putting gear into reverse (without tippy tippin on my brake doesn't work.

 

[Baz1960]

You’ve probably been there before – you’re driving down the road and someone’s going a bit slow. Your patience wears thin and suddenly you’re tailgating them as you try to urge them to move out of the way.

It’s an incredibly frustrating experience.

But here’s the bad news – tailgating is far more dangerous than you may think. In fact, it’s even riskier than texting or making a call on the road.

Senior Research Fellow at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Amanda Stephens, has uncovered the reason why people tailgate in a new study.

She identified that tailgating is often a reaction to feeling rushed as if our time is suddenly more precious than usual.

'When drivers are in a rush, they feel their time becomes more precious because there is less of it to spare. Therefore, if something or someone infringes on that time, drivers can become increasingly frustrated and aggressive,' she said.

According to a new study, speeding and tailgating are the two most harmful driving behaviours. Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production.

And there’s more – a study of real-world driving concluded that tailgating had a 13 to 14-fold increase in the odds of being involved in a crash, compared to driving more responsibly.

She also pointed out that people who are irritated at someone standing in the way of what they are attempting to accomplish—in this example, the destination—often engage in tailgating.

'Often when you respond to a problem you evaluate what has occurred but when you are in a heightened state of driving, you are less likely to do this,' says Stephens.

So how can you prevent yourself from tailgating?

Stephens suggested that the best way to stay safe on the roads is to recognise the situations that may lead to aggressive behaviour.

She developed a strategy with almost 100 self-identified aggressive drivers; focusing on planning, taking a break, deep breathing and rethinking the situation.

The likelihood of getting in a collision increased by 13 to 14 times for drivers who tailgate. Credit: Pexels/Tim Samuel.

Her well-known ‘5x5x5 strategy’ is used by drivers to question themselves over whether the cause of their anger will matter in five minutes, five hours or five days.

If the answer is ‘no’, then it’s best to let it go.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephens reminded drivers of the fines and consequences that come with aggressive driving.

Remember, aggressive tailgating is often seen as a way of getting back at a slow driver but can lead to hefty fines. For example, in NSW, if you are cited for tailgating, you will receive a $448 fine, as well as 3 demerit points.

Key Takeaways

• Tailgating is a dangerous habit that is riskier than texting or making a call.
• Drivers who tailgate have 13 to 14 times higher odds of being involved in an accident.
• Tailgating is usually caused by drivers becoming frustrated and angry that something or someone is infringing on their time.
• Ms Stephens suggests that drivers plan their journey, travel in the left lane, take a break if they are becoming angry, do calming activities in their vehicle and ‘rethink’ the situation.
• Motivate yourself to quit tailgating by reminding yourself of the risk or the hefty fines you may incur.

So, members - the next time you’re behind the wheel, it may be worth taking a minute to think about the risks you’re putting yourself and others at if you decide to tailgate the car in front.

Have you ever tailgated before? What would it take for you to stop? Tell us in the comments below!

People, who say they haven't tailgated, are not being truthful to themselves (yes some people will howl me down, analysing our own driving is vital, yes we aren't perfect). You, just have look at any high traffic situation. We all think we are better drivers than we actually are. The best way of changing driving habits is enforement of laws. Governments are struggling with road deaths, injuries and traffic issues. Yet, the amount of police on the roads is diminishing compared to increased traffic on our roads. Cameras, can only do so much. Having a police officer pull you over and knock on your window heightens most people's attention. If we think about the amount of police interactions we see on the roadside. Most of us would have witnessed a decrease of traffic policing in the last 2 to 3 decades (not having a shot at police, they can only deal within the constraints of their job). My thoughts are just that. Though I do have a few qualifications. (Former OH&S officer for company that has one of Australia's largest transport fleets, licensed driver trainer, 45 years of driving experience). Let's work together with governments to get more effective policing on our roads, for the safety of friends, family and ourselves. Remember, like many problems, it will take a multiple faceted approach.

 

[Senor]

I don't tailgate. I do however slow down ever so gradually when being tailgated & add a gentle touch on the brakes. if that doesn't work then I do it again, but slightly firmer on the brake. When they finally overtake I usually catch them up at the next red light or when traffic slows anyway. I'm not a fan of stickers but recently saw 2 that I might consider. "The closer you get the slower I go" & my favourite "Free airbag check for tailgaters"

I do the same as you and I usually catch up with these idiots at the next traffic lights. In fact sometimes, they trigger the lights for me and I drive past them when they are only starting up again. I have asked a lot of people, face to face, if they tailgate and the response universally is no. I do tell them that I think people who tailgate are morons, f..wits, imbeciles etc. So even if they tailgate and don't admit to it, they will know my sentiments about them.
I have often found that tradies are the ones who tailgate a lot.

 

[RobD]

Tailgating is not just dangerous, it is illegal!!!

 

[Truth Seeker]

The drivers that annoy me the most are the ones that go slow, well below the speed limit while holding up a line of traffic until they get to a passing lane and THEN they speed up so that no one can get past them without going over the speed limit. I see them often on my local highway. If they are too nervous to drive in a manner that keeps the traffic moving at a reasonable pace, then they are too nervous to be behind the wheel...

 

[Macarj]

I can't tailgate my car has a distance control and won't let me get any closer and I'm sure most modern cars have this but drivers don't use it

 

[Macarj]

People, who say they haven't tailgated, are not being truthful to themselves (yes some people will howl me down, analysing our own driving is vital, yes we aren't perfect). You, just have look at any high traffic situation. We all think we are better drivers than we actually are. The best way of changing driving habits is enforement of laws. Governments are struggling with road deaths, injuries and traffic issues. Yet, the amount of police on the roads is diminishing compared to increased traffic on our roads. Cameras, can only do so much. Having a police officer pull you over and knock on your window heightens most people's attention. If we think about the amount of police interactions we see on the roadside. Most of us would have witnessed a decrease of traffic policing in the last 2 to 3 decades (not having a shot at police, they can only deal within the constraints of their job). My thoughts are just that. Though I do have a few qualifications. (Former OH&S officer for company that has one of Australia's largest transport fleets, licensed driver trainer, 45 years of driving experience). Let's work together with governments to get more effective policing on our roads, for the safety of friends, family and ourselves. Remember, like many problems, it will take a multiple faceted approach.

Great piece you wrote totally agree

 

[Grumpypa]

Oh come on know if you want me to read this article at least use a picture of a right hand drive vehicle, it just makes it totally unrelated to my situation, and shows what idiots in other country doing!

 

[Maurie7]

never tailgated anyone, and if some one starts doing it to me then I start slowly slowing down, or operate the break lights without slowing if the first does not work or do the same vice versa

That's asking for trouble.

 

[Maurie7]

People that tailgate obviously don't worry about their duco or windscreens, i wait till i can pass then pass because there's no point sitting up someone's arse.