How to deal with another driver tailgating you

Imagine this. You're driving the speed limit, and you check your rearview mirror, and you notice the car behind you is too close. It starts to make you feel uncomfortable, and you're unsure what to do. You might be afraid that if you stop suddenly, the car will crash into you. This is what we call a case of tailgating. This can be very frustrating for any driver, and many car crashes can result from this case of tailgating. 

Our expert techs at Toyota of Orlando Collision center are here to give you the best advice to prevent yourself from a collision and get to your destination peacefully in your Orlando Toyota. 

A good attitude goes a long way.

One thing to do on the road is to have a good attitude and give the person the benefit of the doubt and stay focused. They could be in a rush or are unaware of how close they are to your Orlando Toyota. Whatever the reason for their poor driving, having a good attitude will keep you from getting upset and hindering your driving abilities! 

Drive the speed limit! 

One of the tempting actions to take is to speed up when the person behind you is tailgating your Orlando Toyota! However, the only reason to gradually speed up is if you are under the speed limit. So, if someone is tailgating you, it doesn't mean you should break the law and speed up. This can actually cause way more harm than good. Besides, you don't want a speeding ticket because someone else's poor driving skills pressure you to go faster! 

Be easy on the brakes!

Unfortunately, we don't have much control other than what the car tailgating you will do, so that's why we have to be very careful with driving, including braking. You have to make sure to brake slowly because the person may not realize and could crash into you. If you want to alert the person behind you, you can slowly break, causing your brake lights to turn on to notify the person behind you to keep their distance.

Safely move to another lane!

If nothing works, the best way to get out of this situation is to move a lane if you are in a multi-lane road. In the case that there isn't another lane to move to, find the nearest safe place to stop and wait for the car to drive past you. Then, click on your turning signal to give other vehicles on the road a heads up, check your mirrors, and safely move to the other lane or the nearest safe place!

The moral of the story is not to let someone ruin your day! We love helping our customers, and our priority is your safety over everything. 

Thinking it’s time to take your breaks in for a service?

If you need to get your Orlando Toyota serviced, give us a call or set up an appointment online at (407) 298-0001.  It’s always a pleasure to help, come visit us today at 3575 Vineland Road. Toyota of Orlando is just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!