We know that in a car or on a motorcycle we will get a tailgater, sometimes several in a single day. It sucks, but it is going to happen. So, what is a safe riding motorcyclist to do?
Below are 9 tips on how to deal with tailgating while on your ride. These tips may help you minimize your risk from the tailgating jerk. The #1 tip is, from my personal perspective, the most important to keep you safe.
9. Flash your taillights – A quick blip of your lights might get their attention on just how close they are to you. Make sure this is just enough to flash your lights, do not slow down as they may not be paying attention.
8. Draw more attention to your rear end – Consider adding a device to your motorcycle to case your taillights to flash multiple times. I use a product from Custom Dynamics to draw attention to my rear end. I have received many comments from riders and drivers that have said hey can really see my lights. There is a video at the link that will show you how the different ways the unit flashes.
7. Check to see if you are the problem – Are you moving with the surrounding traffic? Are you at the speed limit? If you are riding your motorcycle to slow for the traffic around you, look for a different route where you will be safe.
6. Move to be seen – We all know that drivers cannot see you even if they see you. Move from your current wheel track to the other and then back. Changing your lane position might get their attention and back off.
5. Increase your following distance – Give a bit greater space to the vehicle in front of you. The idea is not to aggravate your tailgater but to give you and the tailgater more room to slow down or come to a stop.
4. Do not ride faster – Speeding up will not get the tailgater to stop. They will just ride your tail faster. You might get a temporary respite but if they tailgated you before they will again. Trying to appease the tailgater, like trying to appease anyone, just does not work. Ride your ride.
3. Let them pass – If they are tailgating in order make a pass at the first opportunity, let them. If you have been in a slow zone and now you are in faster zone, let them go by, don’t speed up!
2. Pull over – Find a safe place to move your motorcycle off the road and let them by. Make sure to signal early your intent, use both your lights and arm signals. It will only be a few minutes before you catch up to them as they are tailgating the next guy.
1. Do NOT get ANGERY – If you get mad you may not be paying attention to your situation. Stay cool and safe!
Have any tips of your own? Put them in the comments below!
Ride On, Ride Safe
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 