Tailgating X5 surprise
Discussion
Was driving home last night northbound on the M23 and I was in the left hand lane doing 70mph. All three lanes were busy but traffic was flowing well.
There was a BMW X5 behind me which was tailgating so close that I couldn't even see his number plate in my rear view mirror. He was literally a foot off my bumper.
So, I dabbed on my brakes lightly just enough to illuminate my brakelights, and put my left hand up and made a 'back off' gesture (there isn't really a standard gesture for this, but I basically waved my hand in annoyance).
Then it happened; an unprecedented event. He raised his hand in apology, and backed off.
(I know, I know, "cool story bro" etc, but it surprised me so much I just had to share it!)
There was a BMW X5 behind me which was tailgating so close that I couldn't even see his number plate in my rear view mirror. He was literally a foot off my bumper.
So, I dabbed on my brakes lightly just enough to illuminate my brakelights, and put my left hand up and made a 'back off' gesture (there isn't really a standard gesture for this, but I basically waved my hand in annoyance).
Then it happened; an unprecedented event. He raised his hand in apology, and backed off.

(I know, I know, "cool story bro" etc, but it surprised me so much I just had to share it!)
calibrax said:
Was driving home last night northbound on the M23 and I was in the left hand lane doing 70mph. All three lanes were busy but traffic was flowing well.
There was a BMW X5 behind me which was tailgating so close that I couldn't even see his number plate in my rear view mirror. He was literally a foot off my bumper.
So, I dabbed on my brakes lightly just enough to illuminate my brakelights, and put my left hand up and made a 'back off' gesture (there isn't really a standard gesture for this, but I basically waved my hand in annoyance).
Then it happened; an unprecedented event. He raised his hand in apology, and backed off.
(I know, I know, "cool story bro" etc, but it surprised me so much I just had to share it!)
Ive heard some far fetched sThere was a BMW X5 behind me which was tailgating so close that I couldn't even see his number plate in my rear view mirror. He was literally a foot off my bumper.
So, I dabbed on my brakes lightly just enough to illuminate my brakelights, and put my left hand up and made a 'back off' gesture (there isn't really a standard gesture for this, but I basically waved my hand in annoyance).
Then it happened; an unprecedented event. He raised his hand in apology, and backed off.

(I know, I know, "cool story bro" etc, but it surprised me so much I just had to share it!)
t in my time...I've had a similar experience with an Audi driver. Couldn't tell you which model Audi but an A5 would be a good guess. I was on my CBR1000 with Mrs carumba riding pillion. It was a 50 limit, single carriageway, and I was doing 50. Audi driver was close enough to make me feel uncomfortable - about 4 or 5 feet I'd guess. I touched the rear brake enough to illuminate the brake light and I gestured with my hand to back off. A bit easier on a bike than in a car, since I could use my whole arm to gesture "pushing" him back. I saw no acknowledgement from the driver but the car backed off a good few car lengths and stayed back the whole time he was behind me. Naturally I responded to this with a raised "thank you" hand.
I used to use the 'feather the brake pedal to give a warning' technique but some drivers will get aggressive as a result.
I've found a far more effective ploy (and I have no idea why it actually works) is to back off a few more car lengths than usual from the vehicle in front of me but maintain the speed of the traffic - this gives an extra safety margin for myself and numpty behind. In almost every instance, the driver behind backs off as well and seems happy to do so.
I've found a far more effective ploy (and I have no idea why it actually works) is to back off a few more car lengths than usual from the vehicle in front of me but maintain the speed of the traffic - this gives an extra safety margin for myself and numpty behind. In almost every instance, the driver behind backs off as well and seems happy to do so.
falkster said:
Tailgating seems to happen more often these days. I've never really noticed it before, or atleast it's very rarely happened to me but recently (last 3/4 months) I've had it happen atleast once a week.
I'm tempted to stop for the cat that ran out and let them eat my tow bar!!!
DOG.I'm tempted to stop for the cat that ran out and let them eat my tow bar!!!
EddieFelson said:
They are more likely to crash into you, but less likely to cause massive damage. While a driver further behind is less likely to crash into you but if they do there's a potential for a lot more damage if they arent paying close attention.
Shirley 40mph vs 10mph is going to cause a decent amount of damage?Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff




