What to Do When a Driver is Tailgating You on a Motorcycle

Navigating Tailgaters: A Motorcyclist's Guide to Safety

Picture this: you're cruising down the open road, wind in your hair, feeling the thrill of the ride. But then, as if from nowhere, a vehicle darts up behind you, tailgating aggressively. The world spins out of that fabulous moment into a knot of anxiety. What do you do?

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, safety should be your top priority. Tailgating is not just annoying — it can be downright dangerous. Tailgaters can cause accidents, flicker anger, and spike stress levels at a moment's notice. So, what’s the best move when you're faced with a tailgater? The answer is simple yet effective: increase your following distance and safely change lanes if possible. Let’s dig deeper into why this is your best bet, and what you might want to avoid doing, too.

The Art of Following Distance

When a driver is tailgating you, the first instinct might be to speed up, but hold on a second. Speeding away may not be the magic solution it seems. You see, a tailgater can easily misjudge your speed and repeat the action, possibly trailing you even closer. That’s not the experience you signed up for!

Instead, increasing your following distance creates a buffer zone. This space acts like an invisible shield between you and the vehicle behind. It’s a common myth that the road is just yours. Think about it—other drivers, including those tailgating, also want to get where they’re going. But, by creating distance, you’re giving everyone just a little more room to breathe. How great does that sound?

Changing Lanes: Three Steps to Safety

Now that you've decided to increase that cushion, what’s next? Changing lanes is the next logical step, if it’s safe to do so. Here’s a quick rundown of what to keep in mind:

1. Check Your Mirrors: Before making any lane changes, glance at your mirrors. It’s the easy part, but it’s essential to see what’s happening around you. A quick look can save you a lot of trouble.

2. Signal Your Intent: Here’s the thing: communication is key. Use your turn signal to let surrounding drivers know you’re changing lanes. This simple act might be the difference between a smooth lane change and a near-miss.

3. Make the Move: Once you see that it's clear, proceed to change lanes steadily. No need to rush; everyone’s got their eyes on the road.

Avoiding Dangerous Moves

While safety is your ultimate objective, some actions can land you in hot water. Let's cover a few moves you should definitely steer clear of when tailgated:

• Speeding Up: So tempting, right? After all, who doesn’t want to get away from an annoying tailgater? But here's the kicker — this could lead to a risky game of acceleration. If the tailgater matches your speed, it could spell trouble for you both.

• Sudden Braking: Yep, that’s a hard no! Abruptly hitting the brakes on a motorcycle could lead to a rear-end collision, and trust me, that’s the last thing you want. Imagine having to explain that one to your insurance agent.

• Ignoring Them: Pretending it’s not happening doesn’t make it go away. It’s like having a fly buzzing in your ear; the more you ignore it, the more it’ll bother you! Addressing the tailgater head-on (figuratively, of course) is far more effective.

Dealing with Stress

Now, let’s talk about what goes on in your head when a driver is tailgating you. It can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience. That feeling of being pressured can cloud your judgment. Take a moment to breathe, center yourself, and remember the steps we’ve outlined.

You know what else can help? Keeping your ride enjoyable. Listening to your favorite tunes (at a reasonable volume that won’t drown out important sounds around you) or just reflecting on the beauty of the open road can be a great stress reliever.

Safety First: Always Understand Your Environment

Remember, motorcycling is not just about individual actions but also about awareness. Familiarize yourself with road conditions, traffic patterns, and even the personality shifts of drivers around you. In Alabama, where scenic highways coexist with busy streets, your sense of awareness will serve you better than any fancy gadget.

Here’s a nugget of wisdom: don’t let one tailgater ruin your ride. Instead, relish the journey. Ride smart, feel the wind, and keep those safety tips at the forefront of your mind.

Wrapping Up

Dealing with a tailgater while riding may not be a stroll in the park, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Increasing your following distance and changing lanes safely allows you to navigate potentially dangerous situations effectively.

Remember to avoid the tempting traps of aggressive maneuvers like speeding up or sudden braking. Instead, maintain that calm, collected demeanor as a motorcyclist. Riding is about freedom, joy, and safety – don’t let anyone take that away from you. So the next time you find yourself in the clutches of a tailgater, just breathe and ride smart. After all, it’s all about you, the beautiful bike, and the open road ahead. Happy riding!