How to deal with a Tailgater 

I am legitimately the 1 in a thousand of the people who actually drive the correct distance from the car they're following. And I drive a BMW. Must make me one in a million! I Just don't understand why people drive so close to the car in front of them; all it does is limit your view of the road and mean that if anything does happen, you're a lot less likely to be able to get out of it.

Closer you get, slower I go. If you're in that much of a rush, you can overtake me.

Who tailgates a learner car lol. What's the thinking process behind that...

I had a tailgater driving behind me earlier this week, I got him back when I catch him running a red light with my dash cam and submitting the footage to the police. The next day I got a call from the police station telling me that the driver has been charged.

I had a tailgater one night when I was driving home on the country lanes. Each village I passed through has a 30 mph speed limit, which I observed, to the noticeable frustration of my tailgater! At one village, but took his chance and overtook me at high speed. Immediately some blue lights appeared from behind, and pulled him over! It was a great feeling, I'm not going to lie!

I passed my driving test months ago, yet I still can’t stop watching these videos!

Been driving ten years however i've watched several of your situational videos just to remind myself as drivers we never stop learning. Keep up the great work!

I always stay way back from learner drivers (and keep a good distance in general), nothing worse than a tailgater

I always just wash my windscreen a lot.

Excellent videos Ashley. As a retired ADI, I would add, for Tail gaters I would stress that when slowing down to reduce risk, the driver does so very gradually and definitely not use the dangerous 'brake checking' illegal practice.

As a motorcyclist I get very concerned about tailgaters as they often put me in a lot of danger without them realising. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable pulling over (as I've had a couple of people needlessly road rage over me filtering and I wouldn't want to end up in a confrontation if that's the reason they're tailgating) but I may consider taking a detour. Great video and helpful as always!

My attitude has always been, if you want to push me to go faster then I will only push you to go slower. Don't push me and I wont push you.

Cheers for the video Ashley, I got tailgated on a national speed limit road with ice on it on my first driving test and I panicked and failed. I'm passed now but I still think about that guy whenever someone tailgates me, they grind my gears a lot and this advice had helped me try to get over that hump. 👍

I’ve been in the situation of being tailgated doing about 25+ in a very quiet 30 area, no other traffic, I won’t say I pulled in as such just slowed so much and moved a little to the left that I ended up stationery next to the kerb, and the tailgater stationery behind me! They even got out of their car to remonstrate with me, demanding why I stopped.

I dealt with one differently (a BMW driver). I pulled to a slow stop, forcing them to stop at the correct side of an island with nowhere to go. Then I popped my boot latch, got out of my car, opened the boot fully, and invited them to climb in. Suffice to say, they kept a respectable distance after that. To be clear, there was no other traffic behind them, and so I didn't hold anyone up, except the tailgater.

It gets me that some big lorry drivers tailgate. Don't they know how long it takes themselves to stop even in perfect conditions? I know my car isn't exactly big but it's not exactly small enough that it disappears behind your dash!

Tailgating is bullying, especially behind a learner, I mean the learner could be your daughter, son - everyone has to learn

Tailgating is a daily occurrence. Often many times a day. It really does ruin any fun in driving. I can't imagine how it must feel to be an elderly driver nowadays, they must be petrified at times.

I had a guy tailgate me the other day and he was so close I could not even see his registration plate and I was doing 5 over the speed limit. I don't understand these idiots. Getting so close is pointless, all it does is stress them out! I also don't understand why people park inches behind you at a red light. If I break down, that means extra reversing and steering for them. I think these people are just abusers and are probably assholes to everyone else in their life. I also don't understand why they just don't overtake? I cannot tell you how many times I have been in a dual carriageway and some loser just wants to sit behind you when the right lane is free.

Thing I find is that tailgaters are usually extremely bad at overtaking. They don't seem to understand that there's nothing to gain by sitting close to the car head of them. I've slowed down on many occasions and they just sit there. They don't even try to get past. I also notice they're usually driving woefully under-powered cars as well. Tailgaters come in many guises as well. Quite often I find elderly drivers will tailgate in towns because they have one speed everywhere. That speed is usually 44mph because that's just about the speed they can engage 5th / 6th gear without the engine stalling. They generally drive Vauxhall Corsas. My own father (age 81) is a very good example of this breed. He sits on motorways at 55 mph. Thus forcing all the lorries into lane 2, which in turn forces everyone else into lane 3. I consider this to be f***in' selfish and f***in' dangerous.

Something I've noticed in the last year of driving (been driving for nearly 20 years) is that a tailgater usually has much less ability to forward anticipate. This means you often lose them in places like roundabouts because you can see its clear much earlier, whereas they're too busy looking at the back of your car because they're busy not trying to hit your back, instead of everything else. I find this absolutely bliss watching their poor driving actually cost them more time.

I get people so close behind me that I can’t see their number plate in my rear view mirror

This should be the standard for driving instructors. Not just skill teaching but mindfulness and attitude on the road. Brillant

I drive my wife to work, I can pretty much guarantee getting at least one tailgater every time. It does seem to be getting worse, or I notice it more!

I normally punish tailgaters by following the rules of the road. Stopping at stop signs and going 5 over the speed limit is enough to cause them to go nuts.

I had a tailgater following me for ages. I got out of it with a bit of defensive driving by waiting till the next roundabout and doing a full 360 so I end up behind them, hopefully by several cars. I appreciate that I shouldn't have to but honestly I feel safer if I'm behind them so I can control my distance from them.

Great video 👍 I can’t stand people who tailgate 😤😤😤 There is no need for it. It’s not my problem that the tailgater is in a rush. Maybe they should of thought a little bit and left earlier to get to their destination. Silly people. Don’t realise the possible consequences of their actions.

I live in the USA and tailgating is a major problem. Everybody is in a rush. The worst and most stupid tailgater is one that follows a big truck on the freeway just one car length behind at 60 MPH. If that truck's taillights are not working and the truck stops short, the tailgater will soon be missing his head.

That’s not tailgating. I wish i had video of people actually tailgating me sometimes, you can’t even see the front of the car

I feek like driving with you is a lesson of life rather than driving

Activate windscreen wipers and the water will spray onto them. Works every time.

Tail- gating. Potentially a very dangerous situation, that many thoughtless drivers engineer. A stationary car door opening; a young child dashing into the road for his football. A spilt second to react and take decisive action. While the vehicle behind you, rides on your back bumper. Full marks to you for managing this serious situation and keeping calm.

Great video, I can’t stand tailgaters, I remember when I passed my test in October I used to really let them get to me and increase my speed to get away from them, but when I checked in my rear view mirror again I accidentally ran a red light because of this. Now I do what you demonstrated in this video as it’s the best method of dealing with tailgaters I also have a bumper sticker that says “the closer you get, the slower I’ll go!” 😂😊

A tip for you all. I am a professional driver and I drive too close to the car in front. I failed an advanced driving course for that reason. But listen, I don't ever think "Hey, why don't I drive closer to that car in front", it just happens subconsciously. If they brake or whatever I think "uh oh... Doing it again". But I have a rule, never bully a slow driver. If they are too slow, I either find a safe place to over take or wait till a junction and then go the way that they don't. Anyway, that isn't the tip. This is..... It amazes me that more people dont or won't do this.... If I am travelling on an unfamiliar road at night and I'm being tailgated. I pull over and let them pass. What's the point in holding them up? But more importantly, I can concentrate on the road rather than being irritated by their lights. And I can then follow their lights along the dark road, which is easier than driving into darkness. Everyone's a winner.

always van drivers who tailgate

I often aim to put myself behind a motorcyclist or scooter just to stop people tailgating them. Can't stand to see how selfish people are to tailgate someone that is so exposed.

One of my best driving memories is when I decided to let a van driver past who was tailgating me all the way down a 30 zone by simply pulling over (something I’ve never done before), van flies past and around corner there’s a safety camera van 😂 karma is a bitch

I can remember being on the A40 westway in London once, doing 60mph, I got tailgated Foot off the accelerator 50mph still tailgated 40mph still tailgated 30mph still tailgated 25mph blared his horn, flashed his lights, still tailgated 20mph he undertook Got to the Euston road lights, we were side by side at the lights

I was cruising along on one lane road about 8mph over in a 55...and I glanced in mirror and this Dodge Avenger was literally 5 inches from bumper....I tried ignoring for a mile and finally brake checked him..then he,went crazy zooming up..flashing brights...putting turn signal on trying to get me to stop....finally went around and it was some young teenager..I'm so mad at myself for not stopping and walking up on his car.......I feel like he will keep harassing people because I let him get away with it...

Its been some years since I passed my test, since then I have driven in all weathers and all terrains, having driven up the McKenzie river in Canada. The advice that really stuck with me as Ashley Neal CLEARLY demonstrated was "You can not control what other people do, you can only control your own actions" this from my driving instructor on advanced driving / escape and evation. Nicely done.

Around here, if you did that, they'd probably overtake and at the very least start jabbing the brakes in front of you. Best thing i've found for tailgaters was fitting a flashing LED to my rear dashcam, even Audi drivers back off when they spot the camera.

As a professional driver this works for me. How to stop tailgaters? Solution: Add a rear facing dash cam, and have a "Smile, you're on camera" type of sticker which is clearly visible. They will soon change their driving habits when they know they're being recorded. Another that has worked for me on many occasions, especially on motorways, is keep at a constant speed (Don't brake check or do any hand jesters which could lead to antagonising them, and/or causing road rage). Just put your hazards on for a brief amount of time, they will usually back off when they realise you're not being bullied to speed up and/or break the speed limit. This usually leads to them doing one of these actions; They will now hesitate to pass you and sit behind you at a good distance. Or they will overtake you very cautiously, as they question their stupidity. No need to say anything, make hand jesters, or have eye contact as they pass. This will prevent them having an accuse to rage at you. This seems to stop any stupid shenanigans from the typical road rage that you usually see from tailgaters who end up brake checking each other in rage, which could lead to an accident.

I had someone tailgate me on my lessons on a dual carriageway, flashing his lights at me telling me to move over, I was doing the speed limit there was no way I was moving until I was ready to do so.

Hopefully with technology improving in cars maybe one day there will be a alarm in the car like seatbelt alarm that goes off when your driving too close to the car I front of course it would be speed related. Plus can’t be disabled by a lap top in your local garage.

I've been driving for 22 years now and thanks to watching your videos i did something for the first time the other night. I had a BMW SUV driving right up my backside very dangerously . When i had the chance i put on my indicator to pull in safely and let him pass. Thank you for making me a better driver Ashley , much appreciated.

I agree with the point that you shouldn't have to pull over to let tailgaters pass. After all you'll end up having to wait until a big line of vehicles pass by and it'll only encourage them to tailgate again. A local newspaper firm have suggested this but I don't see any pros out of it.

i have a hatred for tailgaters; my reaction is what you might find abit childish, however its a modification on what you do. i give a hand signal to back off, if they dont comply i drop down to well below the speed limit(were talking 12mph in a 30 ) and when they try to overtake i out accel them. test to see if they do it again, rinse repeat until they get the message.

Over the many years of my driving career, I have learned these techniques, but as I learned myself to drive and did just the test in a learner car, it’s nice to hear that you teach it from the start, well done, you’re an inspiration. 👍

As a jobbing carpenter I rely on my van for work, I leave in plenty of time so I don't have to rush to get there, and if someone tailgates me I go a bit slower just in case I have to brake suddenly.

My pet peeve is people that do it on the dual carriageway, when you’re already pretty much at the speed limit in the left-hand lane. Slowing down to convince them to pass doesn’t always work and puts you at more risk, and there’s nowhere you can pull off or detour for miles. There’s a whole overtaking lane there to use - either use it or leave a reasonable stopping distance.

Absolutely, slow down reduce the risk with added bonus of peeing them off.

Had a car tailgate me on the costal road in Southport at about 1am. It’s a national speed but really bumpy so realistically do 45 so you not not hit your head on the roof. Some little Clio was so close I could not see his lights in my rear view mirror. (I know this next bit is wrong but we were the only 2 cars on the road), I slowed down to 20mph just to piss him off. It’s a long straight road and he would not over take me. He soon backed off and I sped up back to the same speed as before.

I slow down and also increase distance to the car in front for more slowing/stopping distance.

When I was learning to drive many years ago, I came up to a roundabout and braked a little later than I should have. I stopped at the line fine, but the car behind bumped into us. I shat myself, but my instructor said, "Don't worry about it, he hit the tow ball and suffered more damage than us." And off we drove! I never did see what happened to the other guy's bumper, but my instructor's tow ball suffered not at all.

Sadly with us driving schools we have got that L on the back and its like a red flag to a bull some people get a thrill out of hassling learner drivers, you'd be surprised by the amount of looks and hand gestures we get when performing the pull up on right manoeuvre . Its about time a legislation was brought in which would fine drivers for abusing learner drivers.

It's the safety bubble. 2 second rule in front and behind. If the 2 second rule behind is broken than you apply the missing seconds to the front of your bubble. Can you tell I learnt something on my recent speed awareness course :)

Most of it isn’t tailgating it’s just the way these knobs drive these days

I like to use the bubble principle which is I have an imaginary bubble around my car, if someone drives close behind me that pushes the bubble forward meaning that I leave more space out in front incase of an issue plus a small reduction of speed.

Thanks for this, I finally understand WHY it's best to slow right down, I always understood it to carry on going the same speed and to ignore them, and worry about what's in front, this way they're a lot less likely to risk hitting you from behind, thus hurting themselves. This video, however, proves a better lesson, and that it's better to lessen the risk for everyone by slowing right down

When I have a tailgaiter (assuming not a motorway) I just gradually slow down until they get the message... NEVER do a break check as you will be at fault for any accident.

Pretty much the technique I've always used, I always figured if it takes X yards to stop from Y mph then that applies at both ends of my vehicle and if I can't control the distance then I'll control the speed instead, but tbh I never knew if I was just being facetious claiming it was for safety. Feel so much better about it now that I've seen you do the same.

I've been watching your channel for about a year or so now, maybe longer. So imagine my surprise when I attended a DCPC course yesterday and this very video was played! Awesome.

Me dealing with a tailgater: "If you don't adapt your distance to my speed, I will adapt my speed to your distance."

Exactly right. This is my no.1 pet hate. Tailgaters. You've said everything I say.. slow down, minimise the risk if I have to stop suddenly, let them go past if they can.. because with tailgaters, you can speed up in the hope they will fall back but they rarely do and just end up tailgating you at a faster speed. I don't understand the mentality either. Driving close to the car in front is stressful because you're always watching for braking.. far better to give space and relieve the stress. Really like your vids.

I just use screen wash and slow down for tailgaters haha

Good advice, I would slow slightly depending on the risk. Also in some situations if the tailgater persisted I would consider pulling over and stopping. Also in traffic I would suggest the 4 second bubble, nominally keeping to the 2 second rule following traffic, increase this if the vehicle behind is following closer than 2 seconds, creating the 4 second bubble.

Couple weeks ago I had three idiots as I was driving back with my mum from town. First time, at the roundabout I decided a bit late to change into the second lane although I actually didn't need to, though I did it wrong, I should of checked my mirror before I indicated. So as I did it the other way around, the car behind just shot out as soon as I indicated meaning I couldn't (but I was all good luckily as I wanted to go straight). So that was definitely a lesson there to look first to have an advantage... as well as try to be more prepared what lane I want. 2nd idiot, that used the road merging as a reason to overtake and fly past. I just slowed a bit to allow them, as better impatient buggers be ahead rather than behind. 3rd most relevant idiot.. On a country lane as we were coming to a sharp turn that then has another sharp corner with a bridge you have to creep around looking through the trees to go over safely. This driver was just right up my backside worse than this van. I just crept around the bend and around the bridge on the corner a fair amount slower than I would of done without them sniffing my backside. After the bridge there is a sweet dirt layby so I just quickly stopped in there for them to go ahead. If they want to be impatient, let them be so and don't be involved where possible. But where you have no choice, regardless if there's a vehicle infront, and especially if it's on country lanes with sharp corners, just kindly let them realise that tailgating is going to just cause you to take your time more to eliminate them ramming you when you would have to slow down just shortly up the road, which they'd then be the ones claiming you brake checked them. So better avoid that at all costs.

I was tailgated today. I was going dead on 30mph on a car free road, it was a dry and clear day. The guy overtook at speed, then got stuck behind a car that had pulled out in front. I turned off about 10 seconds later to my house. What a waste of energy on their part.

Great channel - any advice or future episodes for dealing with tailgating lorries on motorways etc would be much appreciated. Had a recent experience with a lorry probably less than 2m from my bumper through 50mph road works where all traffic was funnelled into a single lane - absolutely terrifying and no-where to go. Seems to be a problem with lorry driving standards on our faster roads that’s getting worse and worse.

I've got a sign in my rear window that says ' The Closer You Are, The Slower I Drive'.

If someone tailgates me, I just go slower, then if I see them yelling etc. In my centre mirror, when they overtake me I just smile and wave😂

This is probably common knowledge: slowing down allows more time for you to brake without the tailgater hitting you. Red light, longer time to slow down at lower speeds. If you decide to increase your speed to get them off your back then they'll very likely speed up and carry on tailgating you anyway.

The driving instructor: *tells him his method* Me behind the screen: No, break as hard as you can and say a cat ran in the road when he crashes into your arse.

Yet again another quality video. I passed my test in May this year and these are really helpful. Keep up the cracking work!

I thought they were driving fast for the conditions, then I realised that the setting was still on 1.5 speed from a previous video I was watching earlier!

If tail gated I drop my speed by 20% by easing of on the accelerator. I drive at this pace until there is a place suitable for overtaking then signal left and slow up to allow overtaking. If necessary I stop, and you do get drivers who tailgate and then refuse to overtake. I just sit until they do. I once had to gently stop on a completely empty 3 lane motorway at 6.30am for one clown who raced up behind me to 2 yard spacing while I was doing 70mph in inside lane, I coasted to a crawl and then stopped before he would pass and watched him disappear into the distance even when I got back up to 70mph. I will not speed in a 20, 30, 40 or 50 limit and I will not be tailgated. I never prevent a tailgater overtaking.

If a tailgater (asshole) drives into the back of you, it's always their fault. Also try to take into consideration that they're suffering from a lack of intelligence.

I usually call the company number signposted all over the van and make a complaint.

See the video on YT called, "Tailgater climbs the ladder of success". A classic and funny example!

Gently slow to allow a bigger gap to the car in front to allow more space for a safe overtake by the tailgater. Drive in a calm and predictable manner. Do not focus on the rear view mirror. There are also hazards in front.

I would have done nothing, just continue like before.

I normally ease off the gas, then floor it as they try to overtake. Driving a 250bhp Focus ST, I can do that usually 9/10 times😁

I ducking hate tailgaters. They are so irrational and unpleasant. Bullies of the road

I always get tailgaters in the fast lane of the M1 and M25, they're usually either BMW's, Mercs or vans, and they're annoying as shit so I always slow down a tad if there's no way for me to change into a slower lane safely. Say I'm going 72mph (70 in reality as my car lies to me), I drop down to 70mph(68) and make a bigger gap form in front of me to make it obvious to the tailgater that there's space in front of me. If I can, I then try and form a gap between the car to my left and myself so that its super obvious there's an easy, risk free overtake (undertake) opportunity next to me. As soon as the tailgater switches to the left lane to me, I drop the speed a tiny bit more allowing a bigger gap for him to undertake. 9/10 that tailgater will undertake through that nice gap I've made. Most of the time problem solved 👍🏼 I know it's not right to endorse undertaking but when you're sandwiched in going 70+mph, you need to reduce that risk and baiting the tailgater reduces the risk for me and therefore other people on the motorway, until he tailgates someone else again I suppose..

You call that tailgating, the van wasnt even up your back bumper

Happened to me in 20MPH zone. Two foot from rear bumper trying to intimidate us. I stopped to see if he would go past then pulled over. Looked across and would windows down and he stuck a police warrant card at us. He wasn’t even on duty. Does he do this to all motorists to create the situation so he can pull his card out?

I would slow down too, but just to piss them off :)

The weirdest tailgaters are the ones who are clearly just poorly taught and will tailgate you in the left lane despite having multiple lanes to the right to over take. Idk if they're just too lazy to change lanes, they don't understand you should keep atleast 3s of distance between the car ahead of you, or they believe they could instantly react to the car breaking hard ahead of them

I just slam my brakes, look back put my hoodie on and reach back pretending to reach for a hammer then mostly they back off and I adjust my seat to make it look like I'm a huge scary person by lifting the seat

Here in Philippines, buses are the no. 1 tailgaters. It's very dangerous since they are heavy. sudden braking in front of them is not a good idea.

I look at my current speed at the time I first spot the offender in my mirror and don't deviate from it, only slowing if it's warranted. That way you know in your mind you are not showing them any reaction and they can continue to marinade in their mental sickness as far as I'm concerned. I liked the use of the polished turd analogy.

What would you do? I would touch the break pedal slightly, not enough to break, but just enough for the breaking lights to turn on, telling the tailgater that if he doesn't break immediately, he'll cause an accident

Whatever happened to brake checks? Seriously first pump your brakes then drive slower Until they get disgusted and go around. However don't be insulted just because the driver behind you is showing total disregard for your safety! (irony). Ps In Germany tailgating is one of the most serious offenses and traffic fines are based on annual income. This is so the rich are punished proportionately to the poor.

I agree 100% with this video. My only proviso is not to overdo the slowing down (Ash didn't) as that really might be construed as being deliberately arsy and trigger some kind of tantrum (aka "rage") from some kinds of driver. If they drop back, you can move on quicker - but you are NOT trying to "train" the other driver to drive better. There is no way in the world you are ever going to improve other road users' driving by your own driving on the road except in the most minor way by being one of hundreds of people setting a good example. Or maybe uploading top class content to u-tube...

9 dislikes must be tailgaters

I always stay well back from learner drivers, as they will most likely feel anxious about following vehicles. I also keep well back from motorcyclists, as I want to give myself plenty of space if they have to take evasive action. Unfortunately I get tailgated quite often, as I drive a high performance sports car, and people seem to assume I must be driving faster than them, but I have to abide by the speed limit, just as they do. If they are following too close I will slow down gently until they back off, and if they are really persistent I will pull over if it is safe to do so, and let them pass.

Whereas i’d slam on my brakes and give him the two fingers 🤷🏼‍♂️✌🏼

As a first warning, switch the lights on and off. In the back it looks like you are putting on the brakes, even if you're not. One could always stop an a way that blocks the tailgater. Then get out and approach the person. Gets them real scared usually.

He called her "Darling"

I wish my driving instructor was half as good as you mate, such a good attitude towards everything.