If you are working on becoming a defensive driver, it starts with identifying the mistakes other drivers make. One common mistake is tailgating. The driver behind you may be just one or two seconds back, or even closer, and you see that they could cause a rear-end accident at almost any moment.
So what should you do? One key thing to avoid is slamming on the brakes. Some people are tempted to do this, hoping that they will frighten the tailgater and get them to back off, but it just increases the odds of a car accident. You should never “brake check” another driver or act aggressively yourself.
Getting them to pass
Instead, your focus should generally be on getting the tailgater to pass your vehicle. Remain calm, keep your speed steady, and be careful while looking for a way to get them to go around.
For instance, maybe they are tailgating you on the interstate. If you simply switch lanes, they may continue on their way. If they are tailgating you on a two-lane city street, it can sometimes be helpful to gradually slow down, giving them more space to pass during a break in oncoming traffic.
In some cases, such as on rural dirt roads, the only option is to try to get out of the way entirely. Some people will pull off to the side of the road, turn into a driveway, or even pull into a parking lot just to let the tailgater keep going.
Seeking compensation
Naturally, though, you cannot always pull over and get out of the way of a tailgater, and even driving safely yourself may not prevent them from causing an accident. If you suffer serious injuries, be sure you know how to seek compensation for medical bills and more.