Best way to stop tailgaters?

[Retard]

Since my trip computer told me I managed a bit under 17mpg over 1000 miles I have adopted the technique of driving at 70 on motorways/dual carrigeways. This seems to attract tailgaters (not a problem if it's for a bit) who won't overtake (here be the problem).

How do pistonheaders get rid of these menaces? Today I tended to play kickdown, went to 130ish, and put a mile between us. Naturally this ruins the fuel economy plan. I've no intention of slowing because of an idiot behind me either. So I can think of nothing at all apart from diversion. Does anyone have other suggestions?

[7db]

Get them in front of you and then they aren't tailgaters any more.

[WhoseGeneration]

Retard said:

Since my trip computer told me I managed a bit under 17mpg over 1000 miles I have adopted the technique of driving at 70 on motorways/dual carrigeways. This seems to attract tailgaters (not a problem if it's for a bit) who won't overtake (here be the problem).

How do pistonheaders get rid of these menaces? Today I tended to play kickdown, went to 130ish, and put a mile between us. Naturally this ruins the fuel economy plan. I've no intention of slowing because of an idiot behind me either. So I can think of nothing at all apart from diversion. Does anyone have other suggestions?

You've changed to a 1 Series?.
I checked the catalogue but couldn't find the "sh" spec of which you speak.

[hardboiledPhil]

Slow down to 60. They soon get bored and overtake.

Found a good way on the motorbike the other morning with a car following very close in a village. I just turned around and waved her away. Seemed to work as she backed off to four-five cars lengths from the one she'd been previously.

[deevlash]

I empty my windscreen washers onto my window and splatter thm, they soon get the hint and back off or overtake.

[Glassman]

Are you the type of driver that sets out to do 70mph in lane three and won't move despite lanes one and two being free?

[BertBert]

on the motorway, you just need to slow slightly. As they are tailgating it becomes very uncomfortable for them. If that doesn't work, just vary your speed slowly through a cycle. Down to 65, up to 75 and down to 70 again.

Or just lift off until they go by! A bit painful on progress though that one!

Bert

[7db]

BertBert said:

Or just lift off until they go by! A bit painful on progress though that one!

I'm amazed at the number of people who slow with you and can't pass.

I was out enjoying a run in a Scooby the other day. The other guy was so determined to play chase-the-Scoob that I had to get him past to stop the situation becoming dangerous.

A long straight road, he still sat behind me as we slowed down through 40. It took an indicator signal to encourage him past in the end.

[vonhosen]

7db said:

BertBert said:

Or just lift off until they go by! A bit painful on progress though that one!

I'm amazed at the number of people who slow with you and can't pass.

I was out enjoying a run in a Scooby the other day. The other guy was so determined to play chase-the-Scoob that I had to get him past to stop the situation becoming dangerous.

A long straight road, he still sat behind me as we slowed down through 40. It took an indicator signal to encourage him past in the end.

Perhaps he thought that if he went to overtake you'd just accelerate.

[Hooli]

had one the other day in ther work van, he seemed determined to drive inside the loadspace. so i stopped in traffic (with the traffic note - not extra hard) he then smashed the front off his car on the nice solid rear step. no more tailgater, obviously not such a good plan if its your own car.

[7db]

vonhosen said:

Perhaps he thought...

Nah - I doubt he got that far

[naetype]

I find getting the kids to turn round and wave at them works wonders. They enjoy it too, can't bloody stop them half the time

[whitney44]

As they are not really thinking about their driving you need to do it for them and leave a bit more space ahead, either that or slow enough for them to pass. Its got to be better than have some dope rear end your P&J ( and it helps to keep your license intact!).

[Retard]

Glassman said:

Are you the type of driver that sets out to do 70mph in lane three and won't move despite lanes one and two being free?

Nope, I'm really rather anal about lane discipline in fact.

I appreciate the idea about slowing to 60 (or even 50), but it never seems to work, they don't seem to notice.

[A - W]

You do whatever is safest. Every situation is different and can only be dealt with at the time.
Discussing techniques to help can minimise danger for future events but there are no hard and fast rules.

Firstly I would ignore them within reason and concentrate on your own driving.

If they get close and of course not teaching my granny to suck eggs etc, but I am sure you make allowances for the usual 'Ned' behind by increasing braking distances, earlier showing of brake lights etc to help increase your safety.

If they become dangerously close, pull over and let them past. Dealing with them in front has already been mentioned and you can control your contact then with them.

[Zod]

the ones that drive me spare are those who tailgate and then slow down after you pull over to let them past. Then you end up overtaking them only for them to appear once more on your rear bumper.

I swear that some people feel more comfortable driving next to the car in front.

[Yung Man]

I had a Clio catch me up and sit one car length behind at 55mph, I watched in the mirror as the driver and front passenger had animated discussion that went on for a good 10 minutes, It would have been the easiest thing in the world to brake just as he turned his head to look at his mate which is what he did all too frequently.
Eventually he realised he wasn't going fast enough so he pulled out and went round, It was on a duel carriageway, he then sped up to the next vehicle then the brakes lights came on and he sat behind him, wierd.

[Glassman]

Retard said:

Glassman said:

Are you the type of driver that sets out to do 70mph in lane three and won't move despite lanes one and two being free?

Nope, I'm really rather anal about lane discipline in fact.

I appreciate the idea about slowing to 60 (or even 50), but it never seems to work, they don't seem to notice.

And no one will care... as long as they make their money.

[1950trevorP]

This is the subject of one of my short Papers:-

http://avoidingtailgating.blogspot.com/

[Retard]

1950trevorP said:

If you exceed the limit by just a few miles per hour, you have already indicated to a following driver that you don't mind speeding. It then becomes an issue of by how much. So, you may expect the following driver to close up on you in an attempt to urge you to go even faster.

Hadn't thought of that - the more I think about it the more helpful it is, cheers!