When some drivers are being tailgated, they are tempted to slam on the brakes. This is sometimes referred to as “brake checking” the other driver. The goal is to surprise them and make them realize that they are too close so that they will ideally back off and stop tailgating.
However, this is not something you should do. It can cause an accident, for which you may be liable.
In some cases, it can help to slow down. For instance, maybe the tailgater is trying to pass, but there is not enough space between oncoming cars. If you slow down, you give them more space to get around. But you should do this gradually, rather than aggressively hitting the brakes. Do not cause an accident to get rid of a tailgater.
What other options do you have?
The best thing to do about a tailgater is usually just to get them to pass your car. You want to engage with them as little as possible. You are safer once they pass you and move on.
Besides gradually slowing down, another option is sometimes to move into a different lane. If you are on a multilane road, you may be able to find a safe point where you can switch lanes and let the tailgater go by.
If you are on a single-lane road, it can be a bit harder to get out of the way. But it is sometimes useful to pull into a parking lot, stop to get gas or even pull over onto the shoulder of a rural road, if it is safe to do so. For instance, many roads in national parks and other rural areas will have pull-offs designed specifically for this purpose.
Have you suffered injuries?
Knowing how to approach a tailgater can help keep you safe, but there is a chance you could be injured in an accident one of them causes. If so, take the time to carefully look into all of your legal options to seek financial compensation.
