Many people lightly tap on the brakes to signal the tailgater to back off. This could make the situation more dangerous if the other driver is too close to see the lights or to brake before hitting your bumper. Instead, try these tips for dealing with tailgaters.
While you can’t change other drivers’ behavior, you can control your own. Leave enough space between your car and the car ahead of you to ensure you have plenty of time to stop if necessary. There are a few rules of thumb many people use to judge the distance needed for safety.
For every 10 mph you’re driving, leave a car length between you and the next car. For instance, if you’re driving 50 mph, leave 5 car lengths.
The 2-second rule is best for a dry, clear road during the day. When the car ahead passes a sign, tree, or another landmark, you should be able to count 2 seconds before you reach the same spot.
When driving at night, follow 3 seconds behind the next car instead of 2. When driving in rain, snow, ice, fog, or other inclement weather, follow 4 seconds behind.
Tailgating contributes to about a third of all Wisconsin car accidents. If you’ve been rear-ended by a tailgater and injured, schedule your free consultation with our elite Milwaukee auto accident attorneys to discuss your options. Our Milwaukee Wisconsin lawyers take cases in Milwaukee, Madison, Glendale, and all over the nation.
