Driving tips and other life stuff

Improving your speed: dealing with tailgaters

We often get drivers telling us that the reason they were speeding was due to tailgaters: drivers who drive dangerously close to the vehicle in front of them. And honestly, it hits a little nerve with us at ingenie everytime we hear this. Why? Well, for 2 reasons.

• Speeding is a driving offence. Tailgating is a driving offence. So putting your foot down for a tailgater is making an already dangerous and illegal behaviour more dangerous
• By speeding up you are encouraging the tailgater to tailgate again

It can be really daunting (especially as a new driver) to have another driver driving far too close to you. But the absolute best option for you in this situation is to mantain a safe speed.

Don't be bullied

It's not nice. But you have all the power.

Think of something else and focus on the road ahead rather than fixating on your rear view mirror. Ignorance is bliss and if the tailgater has seen you acknowledge them or react in anyway, they're going to be compelled to push it even further.

Try to stay calm and keep your good driving discount in mind. You wouldn't want a stranger to be the reason why you're now paying more for your insurance this month.

We've made ingenie window stickers to keep the bullies at bay. Want one? Just drop us an email or shout out to us on Facebook or Twitter.

If you find other drivers are overtaking you, that’s the risk they’re willing to take. As long as you're driving within the speed limit, you're in the right, and you're keeping your hard earned licence firmly in your pocket.

Bee
ingenie's Driving Feedback Team

Take responsibility

"Sorry officer, I was driving 15mph over the limit because that lady behind me was tailgating me" just won't cut it if you get pulled over.

Your actions have a knock on affect. So if you're speeding to get away from the tailgaters, you could end up causing a crash or putting someone else in danger. Blaming other drivers is fine - but it won't stand up with the DVLA or your insurer.

If you're getting pulled up by ingenie on your speed, the chances are your other driving categories are taking a hit too. Reducing your speed is going to benefit your acceleration, braking and cornering too - so it really is a no-brainer. Work on your speed now and reap the rewards at price review time.