How Do You Deal With Tailgaters?

[Renze]

Why speed kills.

Kinetic energy is 1/2 of mass time velocity squared. If you are traveling 70 in a 55 mph zone you are going about 27% faster but your KE is almost 62% greater. If/when you crash, there is 62% more energy that is dissipated.

Speed doesnt kill: Sudden deceleration does.

 

[WinterDeere]

Then there is this, vehicles on the shoulder. What with many lacking common sense/courtesy, KY passed a law that you must get over to the next lane if there is a vehicle on the shoulder.

A friend of my parents died this way. Was changing a driver's side tire on one of our classic old expressways with narrow shoulders. He was off the road, but a semi truck rushing by while he was crouched down on his heels changing a tire created enough of a vacuum effect under the trailer that the suction pulling him from behind caused him to lose balance and fall backwards into the road. I think the trailer tires went over his head and chest.

Cops are among the worst tailgaters. It's part of the "Little God with a Badge" set of privileges.

It's to the point of harassement, in some local boroughs, around here. I've always had some of the faster and louder cars around, and esp. when I was young, had frequent problems with cops cruising just inches off my rear bumper. It's an attempt to instigate an infraction, when they've decided you're a target.

Thankfully, I now live in an area where there's no local police, only PA State Police. The state guys seem to have bigger fish to fry, than to needlessly provoke guys that like to drive fast cars.

Speed doesnt kill: Sudden deceleration does.

Sort of like, "the fall won't kill you, but the abrupt landing is a *****."

 

[QRTRHRS]

I think of this often when passing a line of cars and somebody comes up behind me.
I'm doing 75, the right lane is doing 65... should I slam on the brakes before or after entering the slower lane?

Here it's pull over or slow down. Often if in the left lane you may not even know there is somebody on the shoulder until it's too late to do anything. Still, if the car in the other lane signals to change lanes it should give a clue.

I've talked to wrecker operators who share some scary near misses.

There is a "push" right now in KY by the tow truck operators to allow them to have flashing blue lights while picking up a vehicle but not under tow.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Sorry, but saying this is a clear sign of immaturity.

If keeping up with modern traffic is too much for you, you're free to stay in the slow lane.

Eighty-five isn't slow, and being rude and unsafe is the most immature thing of all.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

It's to the point of harassement, in some local boroughs, around here. I've always had some of the faster and louder cars around, and esp. when I was young, had frequent problems with cops cruising just inches off my rear bumper. It's an attempt to instigate an infraction, when they've decided you're a target.

I was on I-95 in Miami, riding a Harley, northbound. There is a fairly sharp turn to take I-395 East to the Beach. I took that turn one night, and a moron FHP trooper practically pushed me the whole way through it.

Bright person that I am, I was not wearing a helmet, and he could see that. Came as close to trying to murder me as anyone ever has.

 

[MossRoad]

That means when I get to the front of the line of cars, just as I always do. Pretty simple.

Or, you could just put your signal on and merge into the right lane to let the faster car go by.

 

[MossRoad]

 

[paulsharvey]

So, I think one problem your missing Moss; there isnt 2 speeds on a roadway. Its not like in a 65 mph, 4 lane, that there is a 65mph lane and a 75 mph lane. There are people doing 55-60, and the right lane is going to need to pass; then move back over eventually when clear. If while they are passing, and you are riding their butt, you're absolutely in the wrong. If they are actively over taking slower traffic, but at a slower speed than some other like, thats tough. It might annoy folks, but that semi governored at 68 has the right (unless no trucks left lane is posted on regulatory signs) to pass that 62.5 mph truck in the right. It might take a mile or so, but hes not in the wrong, he will get around eventually, and if hes clear, and no longer actively over taking other traffic, he will move back to the right. Let's say you are stuck behind him for 39.6 seconds, to over take, pass, get clear and move over. You have lost what, 1, maybe 2 seconds getting to your destination.

 

[paulsharvey]

What really annoys me, running 66, maybe 68 in a 65 mph, divided road, you passing some people, you're in the left lane, but the right lane has lots of 60-65 mph folks. Guy gets right up on your butt for a few minutes, and you get around the right lane, and move over, all in crusie control running a consistent 68 mph. The guy goes past you, moves right, and starts running slower than you where in left lane. Just trying to hop right to the front, and actually reduce speed.... No logical reason. If you wanted to run 72 or 75, fine, keep on that that speed, in whichever lane you want, but dont run 72, up on the guys butt, then when clear run 64

 

[Topzide]

Speed doesnt kill: Sudden deceleration does.

It's that sudden stop that gets you every time!