# BWAHA: Driver's cooperate against tailgater! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 20, 2005, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750 "2005-05-20T15:52:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/41 "2005-05-20T19:34:37Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > I hate to tell you this but what you and Blue Cool Dude were doing is also agressive driving. Well, one, it wasn’t me, it was CynicalGabe. And two, I disagree that my proposed behaviors are aggressive driving. Gabe’s - eh. Trying to race up ahead of her to cut her off again is a bit aggressive, sure. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/42 "2005-05-20T19:39:19Z")
I guess certain people just didn’t see the part about being tailgated too closely to slow down. That, coupled with the fact that the OP was already going over the speed limit, means that the person he might harm by letting the rude tailgater by is _himself_. If you slow down, an accident occurs. If you speed up, you could get a ticket (“Sure, officer! I was going 10 MPH over cause there was this guy tailgating me…” Yeah, that’s gonna fly.) I myself move over for people when it’s safe to do so, and furthermore, try not to pass other vehicles unless there is at least a 5MPH difference between their speed and the speed I wish to overtake them at. But still, sometimes they speed up as I pass them, and I am not going to go a ticket-likely speed in order to do so. But when people do tailgate me, not only is it dangerous in terms of slowing down to get into the right hand lane, but also in terms of both of you making a sudden decision to move into the right hand lane. If they try to pass you on the right at the same time as you moving into the right hand lane, game over. When a person tailgates me unsafely on the highway in the lefthand lane, I don’t move over even if the right hand lane is free. If they back off a bit, I put my right turn signal on for two seconds if the right hand lane is free, and only then do I move over after I have made sure that they are not going to try to pass me on the right. After all, those who tailgate unsafely are also less likely to use turn signals when suddenly deciding to pass on the right (a perfectly legal move on nearly divided highway, but made dangerous when combined with tailgating and lack of turn signals.) It’s always amusing when someone tailgates me in the left lane until they get fed up with me not acknowledging their bigger penile length and pass me on the right, only to see me pull over to the right as soon as they pass me 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/43 "2005-05-20T19:40:29Z")
> [@CynicalGabe](#): > > I told you I was an asshole Well, I for one am in wholehearted agreement with you, regardless of what anyone else says. ---
**Author:** ![Podkayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/44 "2005-05-20T19:40:55Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > Who said that what happened is being touted as the solution for tailgaters? It’s not the OP, but rather **CandidGamera** who seems to think that it’s a public service to slow tailgaters down. (Tailgaters, of course, being the moral equivalent to robbers, or foreign invaders.) > [@](#): > > Am I missing something? Where does it say: do this, be like me, take risks behind the wheel? Unfortunately, when you take risks behind the wheel, your risky behavior affects everyone on the road with you. That’s why it makes me uncomfortable to see other posters bragging about or praising dangerous driving practices. > [@](#): > > Why do these threads turn into arguments? I don’t get it. The pulling over from the left lane to let speeders by thing always blows up. If we could figure out exactly why, and get everyone to agree on what a driver’s legal, moral, and ethical obligations are in that situation, we could probably work out a peace plan for the Middle East. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/45 "2005-05-20T19:43:15Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > Well, one, it wasn’t me, it was CynicalGabe. My apologies, I wasn’t keeping track. > [@](#): > > _And two, I disagree that my proposed behaviors are aggressive driving. Gabe’s - eh. Trying to race up ahead of her to cut her off again is a bit aggressive, sure._ Disagree all you want but the Feds say that being an obstruction is agressive behavior. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/46 "2005-05-20T19:47:14Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > My apologies, I wasn’t keeping track.Disagree all you want but the Feds say that being an obstruction is agressive behavior. I wasn’t aware of any Federal driving regulations, beyond the National Speed Limit… ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/47 "2005-05-20T19:49:25Z")
OP: If you are in the left lane and not passing, then you are in the way. Move over. The SUV driver was wrong to tailgate you but your actions were much worse than hers. This thread should go to the pit. The actions of the OP certainly are pitworthy. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/48 "2005-05-20T20:04:25Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > I wasn’t aware of any Federal driving regulations, beyond the National Speed Limit… It’s more of a guidline than a regulation, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/49 "2005-05-20T20:26:45Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > Frankly, I think they do greater good by obstructing aggression than by yielding to it. Does it occur to you that this behavior will make aggressor angry and more, um, aggressive? Not to mention the fact that while doing this, all your attention is on this “aggressor” and you’re less likely to notice pedestirans, other cars, etc. You have no authority and no sufficient training to take matters into your own hands. > [@Ludovic](#): > > I guess certain people just didn’t see the part about being tailgated too closely to slow down. Doesn’t your car have functional brake lights? Don’t you think the tailgater will slow down (or pass you) if he/she sees your brake lights go on, and then notice you gradualy slowing down? If you are being tailgated, the last thing you want is to be at high speed. Always brake for tailgaters. This will either let them know that he/she is too close to you for comfort, and/or give him/her a chance to pass you safely. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/50 "2005-05-20T20:50:37Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > It’s more of a guidline than a regulation, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Does it exist anywhere besides being one question on that test? Cause some of the questions had nothing to do with aggression… ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/51 "2005-05-20T20:55:43Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > Does it occur to you that this behavior will make aggressor angry and more, um, aggressive? Not to mention the fact that while doing this, all your attention is on this “aggressor” and you’re less likely to notice pedestirans, other cars, etc. You have no authority and no sufficient training to take matters into your own hands. I really don’t care what it makes the aggressor. I’m going to make another analogy here, and Podkayne’s likely to come along and confuse analogizing with equating again, but picture Ghandi and the passive resistance movement. The British ask them to do something. They refuse because they feel they are being unfairly pressured. The British get angry. They may even threaten to harm someone besides the refuser, since threats of harm to the refuser himself didn’t do anything. Is it then the refuser’s responsibility to say "Whoops, my bad. I give in. Because if you choose to harm someone because I refuse to capitulate, it’s somehow my fault.’ I say no. And no, all my attention is not on the aggressor. I’m pretty much ignoring them entirely - certainly paying them no more attention than I would any other car behind me. That’s kinda the point. To show them throwing a tantrum isn’t going to get them their way. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/52 "2005-05-20T20:59:51Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > Does it exist anywhere besides being one question on that test? I tried searching the NHTSA’s site but can’t find anything specific. I’m begenning to think it has more to do with each states’ (remarkably similar) interpretations of the guideline. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/53 "2005-05-20T21:32:42Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > Is it then the refuser’s responsibility to say "Whoops, my bad. I give in. Because if you choose to harm someone because I refuse to capitulate, it’s somehow my fault.’ Yes, because there is no harm done by “giving in” to the “aggressor”. What rational reason is there for not wanting a tailgater to pass you? ---
**Author:** ![EarthStone777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ab992/32.png) [@EarthStone777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EarthStone777)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/54 "2005-05-20T21:55:20Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > …And two, I disagree that my proposed behaviors are aggressive driving. Gabe’s - eh. Trying to race up ahead of her to cut her off again is a bit aggressive, sure. \ I had forgotten about that part of the OP. Yes, it was agressive and I retract my earlier statement that only the EMS was driving dangerously. Pacing another car to keep a tailgater from passing is OK (imo), but racing ahead trying to cut off a tailgater is foolish and dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/55 "2005-05-20T22:57:07Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > Doesn’t your car have functional brake lights? Don’t you think the tailgater will slow down (or pass you) if he/she sees your brake lights go on, and then notice you gradualy slowing down? Right. I guess what I think is an “unsafe distance” isn’t really an unsafe distance, eh? There are distances at which it would be dangerous to even take the foot off the gas pedal (if you’re in a standard, which I am,) or tapping a bit too hard and setting off the brake. > [@](#): > > If you are being tailgated, the last thing you want is to be at high speed. Always brake for tailgaters. This will either let them know that he/she is too close to you for comfort, and/or give him/her a chance to pass you safely. There are times when I do this, but dangerous situations are not among them. I do that for normal tailgaters (those that seem to be less than a car length from me.) Those that seem to be a foot from me are another story entirely. And I do not entirely refrain from slowing down when I am at my personal speed limit and going the same speed as the person in the right lane. But in certain situations it is better to wait for a chance to pass the car to the right rather than slow down. For instance, those who are trailing you dangerously, they have already proven themselves a danger. If you slow down they are likely to pass you on the right at the first chance they get and sweep back in front of you (and possibly brake quickly once they pass you to “teach you a lesson”.) ---
**Author:** ![Imasquare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Imasquare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imasquare)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/56 "2005-05-20T23:13:49Z")
> [@CynicalGabe](#): > > The Evil Soccer Mom is now tailgating Blue Cool Dude. Are you sure it was a woman? My experience of bullies (this includes tailgaters) is that they are usually agressive, low-status males. I have come across the occasional female road bully but it is quite rare. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2005, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/57 "2005-05-20T23:15:34Z")
I love threads like this. See, I’ve already had a situation or two before, and have reasoned my response–which, BTW, has been tested since . . . I drive a pickup truck, a Ford F-150 to be exact. You drive (insert vehicle make and model here). My tailgate doesn’t contribute any significant factor to the mobility of my truck. Your radiator, engine, belts, &c do. In the event I percieve just absent-mindedness on my tailgater, well, I just cruise along and let the driver find their own solution out of it. But, if I detect some sort of intent behind that driver (as I did near Glendive, MT), I find that a good, earnest tap on the brakes gives them a clue–not one to cause an accident, but one to light my taillights at you. And tell you to f\*ckiing knock it off. The “collision scorecard” in _any_ given rear-end accident hitting me? I’ll drive away once the police are done with the reports. You . . . you’re calling AAA or walking home. Me: 1 You: 0 Tripler Sometimes I wish I could rig up my truck like the car from “Spy Hunter”. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2005, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/58 "2005-05-21T15:11:38Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > Yes, because there is no harm done by “giving in” to the “aggressor”. What rational reason is there for not wanting a tailgater to pass you? Actually, yes there is, as I noted in an earlier post. If aggressive tactics on the road get people where they’re going faster, then more people will use those tactics more often. If aggressive tactics backfire reasonably often, fewer people will use them. By interfering with aggressive tactics in a passive way - I’ve contributed to overall road safety in a manner that is acceptably safe in my judgment. The more immediate benefit is that as long as the jerk is tailgating me, he’s not tailgating someone who’s likely to have a panic attack at being tailgated, causing a greater danger to those around them. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2005, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/59 "2005-05-21T16:18:40Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > Actually, yes there is, as I noted in an earlier post. If aggressive tactics on the road get people where they’re going faster, then more people will use those tactics more often. If aggressive tactics backfire reasonably often, fewer people will use them. I meant there is no immediate damage done by allowing a tailgater to pass you. And you have neither the training nor the authority to do anything about his/her future behavior. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2005, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750/60 "2005-05-21T16:36:40Z")
I’m just glad Colorado started ticketing left-lane loiterers and blockers. At least here it is illegal and now enforced. You just can’t imagine the schadenfruede orgasm when a cop flips on the lights and works through the traffic to bust the speed matcher in the left lane. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bwaha-drivers-cooperate-against-tailgater/304750.md?page=4)