Safe driving tips: What to do when you’re being tailgated

Have you ever been driving down the road, glanced up in your rearview mirror, and noticed that the car behind your Orlando Toyota is just a little too close for comfort? When another driver rides too close to the back of your car, it’s called tailgating. This type of behavior is dangerous and more often than not leads to collisions and accidents. That’s why it’s key to know how to react when you’re in this unsafe situation – check out these safe driving tips for when you’re being tailgated from the experts at Toyota of Orlando.

Five tips for when you’re being tailgated

Tip #1: Don’t freak out. Your first reaction is probably either to get really annoyed or to panic. Try not to do either (easier said than done, we know, but still). You’ll need to keep your cool to get yourself and your Orlando Toyota safely out of the situation. Keep your emotions in check and focus on the next step once you realize you’re being tailgated.

Tip #2: Don’t feel pressured to speed up. You might feel like you have to speed up since the person behind you obviously wants to go faster, but you don’t. If you’re going the speed limit, stick to it – it’s enforced for a reason. Don’t drive over it just to make them happy. It should be noted, however, that it’s considered to be bad form to drive in the left lane and not let people pass, so if you’re in the left lane and being tailgated, it might be time to move over.

Tip #3: Gently brake. The person behind you may not even realize that they’re tailgating or getting too close for comfort, so sometimes a little reminder in the form of brake lights can help. Tap your brakes gently so your brake lights illuminate and make them aware. We know it’s tempting to brake check them – where you slam on your brakes to give them a little scare – but this behavior can actually result in them running into the back of you, so control yourself.

Tip #4: Move over if you can. If you’re on a multi-lane road, try to get out of the tailgater’s way. Use your blinker to indicate your movements to everyone around you, check your blind spot, and slowly make your way out of your lane to let the driver behind your Orlando Toyota pass you. Don’t make any sudden movements or change lanes without using your turn signal – those behaviors increase your chances of a collision.

Tip #5: Don’t confront them. We get it – it’s so annoying when someone is riding your car. But avoid confrontation. Yelling, making rude hand gestures, etc. take your attention off of your own safe driving habits and can also make the other driver angry. Road rage is a real risk and can result in you, the other driver, and the people around you getting hurt, so maintain your cool and get on with your day.

Make safe driving a priority with Toyota of Orlando

Want more safe driving tips for hitting the highway, city streets, and everything in between? Follow us on social media, call us at (407) 298-4500, or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road. Toyota of Orlando is just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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