How to React to Tailgaters and the Hazards of Aggressive Driving
It’s not uncommon to be driving along minding your own business when all of a sudden a vehicle begins to follow your car too closely. Many people have encountered this more than once.
Not only is tailgating bothersome, but it’s also extremely unsafe. Tailgating causes countless rear-end collisions and occurs when drivers are acting in a negligent manner.
What Makes Tailgating Hazardous?
Tailgating is risky because it weakens the capability of both drivers to react safely to traffic dangers. To be safe, motorists need to ensure there is adequate distance between their car and the vehicle traveling ahead of them.
When tailgating takes place, the safe distance between the vehicles disappears. In this case, if the vehicle traveling ahead needs to abruptly stop then an accident is almost unavoidable.
Why Drivers Think They Have An Excuse to Tailgate
Drivers tailgate for many reasons, but it should be avoided since it is dangerous for everyone involved. Impatient drivers are normally trying to get around slower vehicles, they might be driving on cruise control, or perhaps there is an actual emergency.
Regardless of the reason, it’s dangerous since motorists must operate their vehicles with reasonable caution at all times. If it’s possible to move out of their way, doing so might help you avoid a collision.
What to Do When Someone Is Tailgating You
Drivers who tailgate often make driving annoying and nerve-racking for others. They can be a major distraction that increases the likelihood of accidents taking place. Aggressive behavior could even cause you to also begin driving defensively and forcefully.
To prevent the scenario from becoming worse, getting out of the way of the driver who is tailgating as soon as you can is the best action to take. Slowing down to make the person who is tailgating angry will only increase the risk of an accident. As a driver, your obligation is to drive safely and maintain the safety of your vehicle and your passengers. You are not obligated to show other motorists how to drive.
The majority of tailgaters are only interested in getting around you. If you are able to move to the next lane and let them get around you, this is the safest action to take.
The Process of Settlement After a Rear-End Accident
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, be aware that you have rights. It’s normal to have many questions. It’s normal to wonder what the first steps are to take, or to be curious about what should I expect from a rear-end accident settlement?
First, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. The majority of rear-end accidents are handled outside of court since negligence is obvious; the court process often takes months and can be very pricey.
Usually, the injured party will be offered a settlement for their injuries. It may be necessary to request more compensation if the first offer is too low, and this could require the provision of proof such as lost income or the cost of medical care.
