The Other Kind of Tailgating
This football season, hundreds of thousands of fans will support their favorite teams, spending hours in the parking lot tailgating with friends and family. But as you hit the road this season, NJM asks you to keep the other kind of tailgating in mind.
Each year, numerous automobile accidents are caused by drivers traveling too close to the car in front of them. Always keep a safe following distance and anticipate potentially hazardous situations to avoid accidents. It is recommended drivers allow themselves enough distance from the car ahead of them to allow their vehicle to stop safely within three to four seconds in an emergency.
This distance will vary based on vehicle speed and road conditions. Many have also been in a situation where another vehicle rapidly closes in on your vehicle, honking and flashing their lights urging you to move out of their way. If you find yourself in a situation where you are being tailgated, here are a few tips to help handle the aggressive drivers:
- Never Slam on Your Brakes. Simply slow down and tap your brakes lightly to avoid being rear-ended. This will alert the other driver, and often times encourage them to slow down and back off.
- Do NOT Fixate. As distracting as the tailgater may be, it is essential to stay alert and aware of the road in front of you.
- Pull Over. When possible, safely pull off to the side of the road or switch lanes allowing the tailgater to pass.
As always, drive safely and remember to bring NJM with you on your travels.
