Tailgaters are a menace

24/Feb/2009

By Greg Thomson, Community Newspaper Group editor-in-chief

Comments: 77 readers have left a comment

I WAS minding my own business on the Kwinana Freeway last week when my attention was diverted to a set of flashing headlights in my rear vision mirror.

Directly behind my car was a delivery van, obviously in a hurry, the driver hell bent on trying to bulldoze me out of the way so he could pass.

I’d been watching the same vehicle for a minute or two, shaking my head in amazement as it kept edging closer and closer to my tailgate.

Had he not heard of the two second rule?

This idiot seemed to overlook the fact that I was effectively boxed in by traffic to my side, and out in front.

If I could have shifted lanes, I would have.

When I finally could slip into the inside lane, the van driver floored it, roaring well past the speed limit, and angrily waving a shaking fist at me.

Great driving for a so-called professional, I thought.

I recalled this event while reading a recent letter to the editor and the writer’s lament about what is a real scourge on Perth roads – members of the tailgating club.

We’ve all had experience with it before – aggressive motorists thinking they can control the comings and goings on our city’s main roads by menacing other drivers with their accelerator pedal.

For my mind, avoiding trouble ought to be a safer bet on our busy roads, rather than stirring up trouble.

I’m constantly gobsmacked by the show of aggression by motorists on Perth highways.

Merging traffic seems all too hard for many of us.

Letting people into your own lane – hell no, we can’t allow that. I’ll speed up just to block them.

It’s this kind of mentality that ends up with people being killed in car crashes.

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

It’s a pretty simple rule, but I wish a few more of us would follow it.

What Do You Think?

Your rating :

What everyone else is thinking

Phillip Kuhne

27/02/2010

Tail gater`s are stupid and irrisponsible.
If you have to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front, then you ARE tail gating.
And unless the law has changed that much, when i got my licence hitting a vehicle in the rear , is legally the fault of the driver behind.

L Keegan

26/02/2010

The dangers of Tailgating should not be underestimated. There is another article detailing the physics and motivations of tailgating at http://www.drivers.com/article/1126/

Josh

05/01/2010

1/3rd of all traffic accidents involve tailgating. That's almost as much as drunk driving. Out of all avoidable deaths, it's probably around the second leading cause in the world.

I consider a tailgater more dangerous than someone holding a gun to my head. They put everyone in danger and deserve to be thrown in jail until they learn.

Bignana

29/11/2009

Just been out and had a lovely lunch, got back on the Roe Highway to get home to Spearwood, just couldn't believe the tailgaters, now I was sitting on the speed limit 100klms per hr, sat right up my clacker, could have past but no just sat there and when they did, roared past me as if I was sitting on 70klm a hr in a 100klm zone, why the heck do they do it, do they think they are scaring me, don't think so. The other thing that annoyed me, as I stated was sitting on the speed limit and if not tailgaters I had cars speeding past me, well over the speed limit, then playing dodge-m-cars, weaving in and out of other cars well over the speed limit, it sure was a accident-waiting-to happen day driving on the Roe between Nicholson Rd on ramp and then when I got off at Berrigan off ramp. Idiots

dave

18/11/2009

lerners and p platers should have to spend a week in a truck and see how hard it is when a car pulls up in front of a fully ladden truck that weighs 50 tonne; it is illigal to apply your brakes whe someone is tailgating you.you only need to apply your bakes when approching an amber or red trafic light or a stop sign, or turning a corner where you must give suffice indication, not 200 meters.

Danika

14/10/2009

I recently signed a safe speed promise with the Stirling shire and the sticker they provided me with has stopped some tailgaters once they realise I am trying to do the right thing

michelle roth

29/09/2009

keeping left and doing the speed limit in my experience does not stop tailgaters ive been tailgated (several times ) in a school zone doing the limit.

John van Voss

21/09/2009

Tailgating is a problem everywhere. At the moment I am in Holland. The police has unmarked cars on the road, highways, secondary roads as wel as local roads. If you get caught tailgating the fine is € 170, nearly $ 300. You wouldn't like to be caught too often, would you now?

Stanley

21/09/2009

LOL , how simple minded some road raged drivers are that they have not got the ability to move left themselves to pass . Simple minded road raged road hog hoons that think they own the roads telling every other driver to move over out of their way .

FH16-660

17/09/2009

M Taylor 13/07/2009

That is so intelligent.... The tailgater is already driving aggressively, probably because you are a road hog, so you decide to upset him/her even further. Instant road rage. Real smart....

And consider this... What if you get rear ended, because said tailgater doesn't brake? What if he/she has no license and/or no insurance?
You have a wrecked car, that you have to pay to get fixed.

You really need to re-evaluate your priorities. Move over, less the fool past, carry on. IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

Call it courtesy, or call it self preservation... just move over and let them pass.

.

Moz

06/09/2009

I don't think it's so much about the rules (though they're important). I reckon there are people out there who simply look for fights, treating their car as the excuse.

I've been abused by cretins for "tailgating" when they're doing 40km in a 60 zone and not letting others pass.

The safest response to real tailgating, on the other hand, is to get them in front of you where you can see them more clearly. Otherwise, you've let them lure you into the fight they're after.

I tapped my brakes once, many years ago, when I had only been driving for a year, and got my head punched in for it.

miserablewamotorist

28/08/2009

It was till a few years back I was T boned by a speeding driver who over took 3 vehicals before hitting a turning vehicle (mine) the driver did a runner. There are tailgaters out there its sad, drink drivers, road rage and patent slow drivers whom drive in the right lane of abusy hi wayat peak hour, very sad and who said motoring was enjoyable....it would be a pleasure if others tried not to kill other road users as it is only a privalige to drive....dead and bloodied people don't talk and its not nice trying to resucitate person/s on wet windy dark nights or days, just hope some out there see reason and drive to live and enjoy.

Robin

11/08/2009

The "speed limit" is the legal maximum (if conditions are ideal) - it is NOT the obligatory speed under all conditions. Sometimes, a driver may not feel comfortable or safe travelling at the speed limit - especially if other drivers insist on jumping in and reducing the safe distance between vehicles. This is an individual judgement. If possible, such a driver should try to keep with the flow of traffic and not cause a hazard by travelling very much slower than other traffic - but a few kilometres slower should not cause a problem - or "road rage". Drivers should be driving defensively and be prepared for slower moving traffic, sudden emergencies, and mechanical failures in their own and other vehicles. Tailgating simply shows that the person lacks a professional attitude to what is a priveledge - not a right.

Stanley

30/07/2009

Oh and by that I mean the exits off the freeway not the exits out of the end of the tunnel :)

Stanley

30/07/2009

If a driver is not going to take the exit at either end of the tunnel then the right lane would be the right lane to be in out of the way of those wanting the left lane to exit.

Marlene from Mullaloo

28/07/2009

Take a photo of the moron and pass it on to the police. Don't be bullied, don't change lanes, do the speed limit and sit quietly in your lane, watching the idiot behind you losing it.....nothing funnier on a day out...lol

Eddy

27/07/2009

WOW ! Writers have really got it in for tailgaters Hey ?
BUT ! Consider this, is the car being tailgated doing the proper gazetted speed ?
Is that car in the correct lane ?
In my 60 years, I've found that in the majority of such cases, the answer is always NO.
Therefore, people driving in such an inconsiderate manner, should not object when irate tailgaters get just a little peeved off at their antics.
Walk a mile in another man's shoe's I say, maybe then consideration will be forthcoming from ALL road users ?
OK, OK, I'm allowed to dream arn't I ?

Chris

21/07/2009

I live in South East Queensland where tailgating has almost become a legitimate form of driving to many people. Even keeping left and going *above* the speed limit doesn't guarantee a tailgater-free experience.

I moved here from New Zealand, which is a place that has chronic problems with bad driving. I've improved greatly in nine years but only because I made a conscious decision to be a much safer driver. I have certainly noted an increase in the undercurrent of bravado and aggressive pride that many feel the need to display when driving.

A truly courteous & patient driver will always surpass the maturity of those who are stubborn in their habits or who are just plain inattentive. For the most persistent and aggressive of tailgaters, my tactic is to simply pull over - No loss of face, no riding the brakes, no exchanging hateful gestures. Stress instantly drops and they can continue on and harrass someone else. Karma will eventually give them their dues.

Stanley

18/07/2009

LOL M Taylor , here's a thought for you . Have you heard of them electronic gadgets that let a driver know when they are getting close to something when reversing ! Think of connecting one of them to your brake lights so when , Wesley , or any other driver that has not got the ability or training to stay back clear , gets too close , it will be HIM putting your brake lights on when HE gets too close not you .

Wesley

18/07/2009

Hey M Taylor (13/07/2009), here's an idea. Next time, instead of touching your brakes, why don't you try moving over to th left and letting the tailgater pass. After all you'll probably find that most tailgaters aren't doing it for the love it, they are just impatient to pass.

You could also try slowing your speed just a fraction (just decelerate without touching your brakes). This will often allow a better oppurtunity for the tailgater to pass, thus solving your problem again, without causing agro and grief to yourself or others.

Just think, you could actually be part of the solution (rather that the cause).

Stanley

14/07/2009

Tutt Tutt Bignanna only one car length behind a road train IS tailgating too without a fixed tow shaft . :)

M Taylor

13/07/2009

Greg, you are so right about tailgaters. I see them all the time and often they are the ones driving hotted-up Commodores, Subarus and Skylines.
My tactic is really quite simple. When they get close enough, I touch the brake! I get great satisfaction in watching them stomp on their brake behind me.
Tailgaters should learn a little patience...and perhaps a little courtesy.
In the meantime, I will keep hitting the brake for tailgaters.

Bignanna

13/07/2009

Stanley 10/07/2009 .. Yes Stanley totally agree with what you say, I suppose the Truckee's on the Brand H'way hate me as yes I do love to tailgate (no not tailgate about a car length away) the road trains, in their slip stream, as apart from what you have stated, when a road train brakes you know he's seen something in front of him and I brake accordingly. Sunday when for a drive and the tailgaters, now we were doing just over the speed limit but guess what not one Police car, not one motorcycle cop, just the usual idiots on the road. I know the boys in blue are doing it tough but where are they, nearly as bad as only 100 fisheries officers for 12,500 miles of coast line, seems the liberals are toe cutting everything

Stanley

10/07/2009

Bignanna , have you noticed most of the drivers that tailgate are driving like they are at the speedway on the track close behind the vehicle in front ! What happens is the air passing over and around your known as, the slip stream, causes a vacuum behind your vehicle. You can feel, the slip stream, when a large truck or bus passes you. It starts with a bow wave that can push you along a bit faster (just like a Dolphin on the bow wave of a ship) then as it passes it tends to draw your vehicle sideways towards it as it is sucked into the cacuum behind. It's why caravans start to sway when being passed. What the tailgater is doing is getting pulled along by, the slip stream, of your vehicle saving fuel as it is you that has to apply more power and use more fuel to suck it along or you would actualy slow down by the reverse action of the slip stream cacuum between the vehicles. If you don't apply more power the tailgater might get the message to backoff or pass as it makes you slow down.

Bignanna

10/07/2009

Alex 07/07/2009 you could be right in your comments but our speedo broke and $500 later it now works, have sat exactly on the speed limit 70klm per hr and gone through radar and ok. We also lost 30,000 klms on the klm count due to the speedo having to be calibrated. As far as tailgaters something has to be done, they are a danger to themselves let alone my 4x4 as they'll first hit the tow ball. I still ask the question why do people have to tailgate?

Stanley

10/07/2009

Hey Wesley , it's actualy about tailgaters not not keeping left so you can use the roadways as your own personal speedways .

Wesley

09/07/2009

Hey guys, you're missing the point. It's not about speed, speedo accuracy or even staying within the speed limit. It's about being courteous and keeping left unless overtaking.

Keep left and road will be a safer place.

Stanley

08/07/2009

Well my speedo is spot on and i know that because I have borrowed a GPS several times from different people to check it and after changing tyres as well . Doing 2 - 5 k's under the LIMIT allows for a bit of change without going over THE LIMIT.

Alex

07/07/2009

Firstly, Keep left unless overtaking. See those signs they put all over freeways, particularly in the country? They're not there because mainroads has too much money. They're there to remind you how to drive.

Secondly, your speedo is wrong. All modern cars overstate your speed, to prevent liability mostly. Some BMWs can be out by as much as 15%, I've clocked my small holden out by 8kms at 100kph. So if I'm not doing close to 110 on the speedo, I'm going too slow. You'll notice any police officer you tell your speed will take 5-10% off for "speedo correction". They're not just being nice, they're merely being accurate.

Stanley

06/07/2009

It could be said tailgaters are like little children, they need to be close behind someone like they are holding onto their mummies apron strings afraid to let go.

Wesley

30/06/2009

evilbunny
10/03/2009
You are the problem. The sooner you and your mates hand in your license the better off the rest of us caring, sharing drivers will be.

bignanna

30/06/2009

Why is it when you sit on the speed limit either suburban street, highway (2 lanes) or Freeway you have tailgaters, tailgaters that sit so close you can hear them breathing. Even though you are doing the speed limit or just over by 3 to 5klms, still tailgate. We have had tailgaters on country roads sitting on a 110klms still tailgate, yet you the tailgater can over take but no you still sit so far up my bum that you can smell my farts, tell me why do you do it, do you think its frightening me, do you think you are a racing car driver and you are so skillfully that you can drive in any condition, unbelievable. There is no need to tailgate when the car in front is sitting on the legal speed limit, I put you all down to stupid meat heads that have all gotten your licenses out of a weetie packet or you are too dumb to know better.

Dexter Muller

03/06/2009

They are not cars or trucks they are Steel MACHINES in which you and your family sit, and having been in engineering for 69 years i can tell you that no machine is foolproof, blown tyres, loose nuts, and at a 100kmh if your steering arm develops a fault or some thing similar and you loose control of your car, it will not be an ambulance you require, but a hearse. If you ever go on the UK Motorway from London to B;ham , stop off at the car grave yard and view what mechanical faults did to most of the cars, a warden is there to tell you what happened and how many people died, Ive been driving for 62 years and WA road were great to drive on 30 years ago but have got progressivly worse, More people into WA means more cars, but the roads have not been increased to suit. I used to enjoy driving but with the end of the RTA the situation has got worse, bring back the RTA in unmarked cars.

Mark

23/05/2009

The majority of Perth drivers should not be in control of a motor vehicle. There are a few simple rules to follow to make everyones driving experience a positive one but the majority seem to lack the intelligence to be able to comprehend this.
1. KEEP LEFT unless overtaking, once you have overtaken move back into the left lane/s. Its against the law to stay in the right lane in Western Australia on any road with a speed limit of 90kph or more: Failing to keep left without good reason $50 and 2 Demerit points.
2. MERGING, the most simple act yet so many idiots cant do it. Just like a zipper, one car from the left, one from the right and so on.
3. THE SPEED LIMIT, do the limit or use another road !! Driving under the limit just inconveniences everyone else and is a plain selfish act.
4. FREEWAY ONRAMPS are there to get up to speed before merging with traffic doing 100kph yet so many moron sit on 60kph for the entire onramp then try and merge.
Bring on IQ tests for drivers licenses !

Robin

19/05/2009

Learner drivers should be required to accompany ambulance staff or spend time in Emergency over a weekend. They should be tested for spatial judgement, hearing, IQ, and other medical problems. New drivers should be re-tested every year for the first five years. They should be required to do an "Advanced Driver" course after one year. Drivers over seventy should be re-tested annually. Those in between should do refresher courses and re-tests every five years. Having a licence is a privelege - not a right. Drivers who break rules e.g. use of seatbelts and mobile phones, or who demonstrate poor judgement, poor skills, road impatience, or road rage should be required to undergo an intensive "Corrective Driving" course and re-test. If this doesn't help improve their performance - get them off the road! Lastly, as individuals, we should be aware of any reduction in our abilities - and do something to keep ourselves and other road users safe - even if it means giving up dr

Robin

19/05/2009

The speed limit is the maximum speed allowed when road conditions are good. It is not the speed everyone must drive at all the time. It is not the speed you may exceed if passing or in a hurry. Common sense would tell you that to exceed the limit considered safe for that stretch of road is taking risks. Intelligence and self-preservation would dictate that if conditions are not ideal, everyone should slow down to below the speed limit. Common sense and good manners would suggest that it makes sense to keep left wherever possible (even if doing the limit) - thereby leaving other lanes free for for emergency vehicles and "nut cases" to pass. It is not always possible to keep left, but that is the ideal to be aimed at. It is the height of stupidity to tail-gate - or deliberately block another vehicle. However, many people stay in middle or right lanes because when they want to change from the left lane, other drivers refuse to let them merge safely.

evilbunny

08/05/2009

Sorry for the long lapse in my comments , just winning another case in the courts about sitting in the righthand lane. By the way you arrogant pigs........if I were to move over to the left .........then at the speed limit ...NO CAR should pass me? Your arguments are invalid , just as I have proved in court yet again. Prepare for a subclause to be written in the ROAD TRAFFIC ACT....

bill

12/04/2009

thank you scott! finally someone with a brain comments on this thread

scott

04/04/2009

While we are quoting road rules (instead of guessing them),

(2) A driver shall not drive a vehicle on a road in such a manner as to prevent another vehicle from overtaking and passing him or her.

Points: 2 Modified penalty: 2 PU

Here is another example of the law being on the side of those trying to overtake.
Face it if you are stopping someone from overtaking you. The law IS NOT on your side.
Anyone who has lived in Europe will testify to how much safer and enjoyable driving is when people follow these few unselfish acts.

scott

04/04/2009

http://www.perthlaw.biz/Roadcode/Paper%205%20-%20Regulation%20113%20-%20implementation.htm
For all those stating that the right lane is not a passing lane, please click on the above link. It is THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES. It clearly states that the right lane on our freeways is for OVERTAKING ONLY unless the roads are heavily congested.
Please actualy know the rules before getting in your car and pushing your ignorance on everyone that has to share the road with you.

AreYouSerious

03/04/2009

evilbunny
10/03/2009
The far right lane is NOT A PASSING LANE, there is NO passing lane !

if thats what you believe get off the road. its people like you who clog up the freeway everyday.

lorraine

20/03/2009

I live in south australia and we have the same problems here, i do tailgate but only when the person in front is not going the speed limit,over here that is often, most times the other driver is old.these old people go out buy a modern uptodate car with all the bell and whistles.eg v8 four wheel drives bmws, and so on but they still drive them as if there in the car they had when they first got there licence, and if ther towing a caravan god help you.oldies drive your new car like it suppose to be drivin over the 50 limit or the 80 limit, if you to worried to go the limit then go back to the old car you just traded in or pull over and get out of the bloody way.

vege

18/03/2009

40 years driving experience, traveled approximately a Mil km, never crashed, driven in 6 countries. Have taught 5 young people to drive and none in 25 years had an accident let alone a ticket. No one owns the road and all have a responsibility to drive with full attention and compliance to the road rules and indeed respect the rights of others. 80% + of people die or receive serious injuries on our roads through inattention and poor driving skill. West Australians are regarded as the worse drivers, born and bread West Aussies make up approximately 26% of the population and most live in the bush. It may be that we have a lot of migrants who come from countries with extensive public transport but here they have to drive. Tailgaters, if you need to pass dip your lights and wait. If your regularly being tailgated two things, stop pulling out in front of flowing traffic causing it to slow and two, regardless of the law, if you can't keep up keep left, it's just good manners, everywhere.

Nicky

14/03/2009

There are some real pea brains out there on our roads. Tailgaters are just a few. They are arrogant bullies, who seem to get a kick out of hopefully scaring the s---, out of the driver in front. There is never a good enough reason, to have to do that to another driver. If the tailgater wants to get past that badly, just go past in the other lane, problem solved... Talking about pea brains, my daughter is on L plates, stopped at a roundabout, waiting for a break in traffic, and this moron behind is blowing his horn!!!!!!

Crystal

13/03/2009

Discussions about, Road Rage, Car Park Rage, Shopping Rage, all of them are really about one thing and that is MANNERS.

Now im not old enough to be bignanna, nor young enough to be Annoyed driver...but i think im smart enough to realise that all of this is about showing some respect to you fellow human beings.

If someone is tailgating you, get out of the way! (perhpas there is a good reason?)

If you are tailgating someone, stop it! (unless there is a good reason)

It is not up to other road users to control the driving habits of each other, just show some decency to your fellow road users.

Lisa Roche

12/03/2009

It seems like any Tom Dick and Harry or "Arrogant ill-informed Andrew" can get a license these days.

Whycantwealljustgetalong

12/03/2009

You are so very wrong, Andrew 12/03/2009 The right lane restriction applies only to multi lane roads of 90k's or above!

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/wa/consol_reg/rtc2000113/s113.html

Andrew

12/03/2009

Maybe people should adhere to the road laws correctly. I noted a few mention people sitting in the right hand lane which is in fact illegal.
Traffic Law clearly states that you are required to keep left on multi lane roads where practicable. This means unless you are overtaking etc you are required to keep in the left outer lanes regardless of your speed.

The same goes for people who cut across dual lane round abouts ie driving across the broken line. This also is illegal and I repeatedly see people do this to the point where I have seen several accidents and myself nearly been side swiped by some idiot who doesn't understand the road laws. Oh and then there is the solid white line in areas such as the freeway where people again break the law and cut across.

These lines are there for a reason to tell you where you can and cannot go. just because it is a line doesnt mean you can drive over it!!!

It seems like any Tom Dick and Harry can get a license these days.

odonata2828

12/03/2009

Do you know why drivers don't let people into their lane in front of them?
Because when you allow people to move in front of you they suddenly slow down and hold you up.

Whycantwealljustgetalong

11/03/2009

I have had my speedo calibrated, and I use a SatNav, so I know exactly what speed I'm doing.
I try not to "tailgate" if I can possibly avoid it, but if you are in front, and preventing me from doing the lawful speed limit (not with-standing road conditions), don't get upset, just move over and let me continue on my way. I will give you a moment to do so. I can see the other cars beside you too, you know. If you have the oppurtunity to move out of the way, and don't, I am going to assume you want to be "tailgated"?

I brake for kids, and animals, ALWAYS giving both extra consideration. I always give the L plater extra room.

But please don't touch the brakes to scare me off. You may get rear ended.

.

Vyt

10/03/2009

To Bignanna and Annoyed Driver and others, one should not create panic for the tailgater by slamming on the brakes with tail lights glaring, etc. One need only to slow down gradually. While I don't have such a bumper sticker myself, I saw one (possibly home made) which said to the effect: "The closer you drive behind me, the slower I go". Gets the message accross without suddenly creating panic or an accident, but just gradually slow down until they have the opportunity to safely pass, and then continue as normal. Yes, I'll have to look for such a bumper sticker, though I have not seen one in the shops yet. The ones which are easy to get in shops are the more aggressive kind: "I only look out for Numero Uno" and such. This says something about drivers' social and mental ATTITUDES which ARE the CAUSE of accidents. Accidents occur when such attitudes TRIGGER BEHAVIOURS such as tailgating.

evilbunny

10/03/2009

A few facts about the freeway. The speed limit is 100kph, no more . Each lane's speed limit is the same. The far right lane is NOT A PASSING LANE, there is NO passing lane ! You will only find a passing lane on a open highway(country). So before all you SPEEDERS jump up and down, learn the road rules. I have been to court twice to prove this. Both times against an over eager policeman. Keeping left is the rule,BUT only if it is safe to do so. What is unsafe....tailgaters, safe stopping distance( at 100kph-is 12 vehicle lengths), road conditions and the "big one".to move out of the way for a tailgater, is an offence in itself...You are aiding in a crime ...let them go around, or wait.....tailgating for more than 30 seconds is roadrage, another offence.

Lea

09/03/2009

Whats this rubbish about taking sides - "I'm with Annoyed Driver" or "I'm with whomever". Maybe if we all stopped creating dramas on the roads and everywhere else we would all be better off. Can we not all just respect each others space and also respect that we share the roads? No-one has to harrass and intimidate and no-one has to get in another's way. Surely in a country like ours, where we are blessed with so much, we can all learn to share respectfully - like we expect from our children in the sandpit. Why are we adults not able to do the very thing that we ask of our children. Looking at this silly business of taking sides and anonymously abusing each other (either on the road or on-line) makes me think that we all 16 to 106 need to get hold of some maturity and dignity.

Sam

09/03/2009

Well I'm going to stick up for Annoyed Driver here. You are dead right with what you have said. I am 47 years old and I totally agree with you.

Lea

09/03/2009

Oh by the way - if you are a woman don't waste your time contacting the police. When I rang the police dept the officer said that maybe the tailgater was trying to get my attention because I had a flat tyre or something. The police officer just added to the intimidation that I had already endured. Thanks! Oh for the record - yes, I DO know when I have a flat tyre.

Lea

09/03/2009

We ALL need to have clear and precise LAWS defining what exactly tailgating is. I have heard 3 ideas so far - one from people mostly over 50 years of age - 1 car length for every 10kms speed. Another from people in their 30s and 40s the '2 second rule' - you should take 2 secs to get to where the vehicle in front of you is - of course one person's 2 second count can be very differnt from anothers! The last from a 21 year old P plater - as long as you can see bitumen you're not too close. So which is it???

I agree that people should not sit in the right hand lane at below speed limit - let others use is for passing and speeding if they want - its their lives. However, I have been on a single lane road where I stupdily sped up to 100 in a 70 zone in the hope that the person behind me (a small brained bogun in his 30s) would back off - no chance. In the end I had to find a spot where I could pull off the road and let him move forward to tailgate and harrass the vehicles in front of me.

Lisa Roche

08/03/2009

Good on you bignanna for your logical and articulate defence of your position. Annoyed driver, have a bit of maturity and perhaps maybe take a rudimentary course in grammar usage also.

bignanna

07/03/2009

Age correction I've been driving for 47years, not once have been booked for speeding,(never lost demerit points), never had a accident, I have also done a advanced drivers course (at the tender age of 40yrs), can back a 18' foot boat down to launch/retrieve,have my RST for driving the boat. drive on the beach 4x4, never been bogged, Annoyed Driver 07/03/2009 , I hope when you get to my age of 60yrs that you DO have the experience and confidence that comes with age. Cos at the moment your confidence is just cockie attitude that all young drivers have, you see I was young once, I also thought that I knew everything by the age of 20yrs, so as you grow and mature you will know what I have just stated. Have a nice day.

Annoyed Driver

07/03/2009

Well BigNanna we may have only been on the road for 4 years but we have a much better awareness of whats going on around us. I can bet you right now that if you and I were to take a driving test tommorow I'm sure I'd get a better mark then you. I'm sure in the 70 years you have been driving there have been a few changes.

skotup

06/03/2009

yeah this is one of the big issues, maybe 60minutes can do a story on it.

bignanna

06/03/2009

Love it when 20yr olds start commenting on THEIR driving abilities and they've only been driving for 4yrs tops. Most drivers I've experienced driving in the right hand lane are P platers, followed quite a few that sit in the outside lane for minimum 30kls of travelling all in the outside lane even on the Freeway, yes they are doing the speed limit but from Ferrington Rd off ramp to Joondolup all in the outside lane passing us backing off then passing us again (we in middle lane towing boat). But with the Police budgets getting cut back by 3% their will less and less Police patrol cars on the road and unfortunately their is going to be more road rage, more laws flaunted more hoons etc. God help us all on the roads in the future.

Annoyed Driver

05/03/2009

Instead of complaining about tailgaters GO THE SPEED LIMIT. If someone is flashing their lights and tailgating why not let them pass instead of being a jerk and try to cause a crash. I mean pretending to brake and causing the car behind to skid is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I am sure sometimes there are people that are going the limit and are still tailgated but 9 times out of 10 it is some idiot sitting in the right lane on the freeway sitting at 80kph day dreaming. If your too scared to go 100 go through the back streets cause you are a danger on the road. I'm not saying drive like a hoon but people need to learn to drive. As a 20 year old male we are always labelled as bad drivers and sure sometimes we deserve it but at least 50% of people on the roads can not drive for s**t!!! Drive with confidence or catch public transport.

Adenuff

05/03/2009

Isn't it brilliant when there is a car in front of you, cars to your left and a rock monkey decides to sit right on your butt. the beautiful thing is though that whilst they're behind you, you're basically in control of their speed. i find if someone is tailgating to the point i can't see their headlights, i generally slow down to a speed where i'm only just passing the cars in the left lane. if they want to give me the finger or yell abuse, go right ahead, its their tax dollars that trained me in the military, and a thorough demonstration of abilities can be arranged ;p seriously though, the more that people move left to allow these a**holes through, the more they are encouraged to perform these behaviours to get 'their way'... fact is... the road is there for all to use. so if i'm in the right lane, with cars ahead, and cars to my left and you sit on my a$$, you'll be getting no where in a hurry until you show some consideration, as everyone else on the road seems to be able to do.

bignanna

04/03/2009

My solution to tailgater's is, I put my parking lights on (look like brake lights) and then I speed off, heard many a squeel of brakes when I've done this. Yes everybody I also agree stay in the left hand lane. Nothing worse than people sitting in the outside lane doing 40klms in a 70klm zone or on the Freeway. I always say especially for the Freeway/country roads if you can't sit on the legal speed, you shouldn't have a license.

Stanley

01/03/2009

The one thing I like about tailgaters is when they crush the fender under the front of their car on the kerb when parking because they have no idea how long their vehicle is without the wheels hitting the kurb first.

matt

28/02/2009

yes tailgaters are poor drivers its as simple as that and even though they know if the car in front was to brake while "negotiating traffic",they would be fully liable for any injury or damage that they caused. Knowing this as they must (or have they forgotten what they learned when they got their license?)"THE FASTER YOU TRAVEL THE FURTHER THE DISTANCE YOU NEED TO STOP SAFELY. Therefore being in a hurry just makes no sense at all. How many times do we see the fool behind us as we check our mirrors momentarily while still observing the road ahead (as taught by all driving schools), waiting at the next traffic lights. TAILGATERS COST THE COMMUNITY MONEY by way of vehicle damage, increased insurance costs, higher MVIT injury claims paid out of public monies, lost wages while the car in front is repaired and its driver seeks medical attention. the average whiplash claim costs the community over 40k and results in increased car registation costs due to the insurance compon

Suze

27/02/2009

Haven't noticed much tailgaiting south of the river but what's with everyone not indicating?

A 30min drive to/from work (Huntingdale to Vic Park) - i'd see a minimum of 3-4 people each trip who do not indicate. That's only the ones visible to me in peak hour so how many others aren't indicating?

I would imagine that failing to indicate would be a good reason we have accidents.

Please can you either get more police on the road or give me a Film crew & we'll go out & record Perth drivers (& people who can't work out how roundabouts work) & then do a weekly TV show on it to educate the public on driving correctly/safely.

When I got my motorbike licence 2yrs ago I learn't that the method of indicating I used was wrong at roundabouts. Now, if I had missed that pearler of information, how many others have? Wrong indicating, no indicating, tailgating - how do multinova's stop that? They don't!

Steven

26/02/2009

I was driving home from the movies on a thursday night, heading north on marmion ave, when a short, bald, stocky man driving a white Mercedes M-Class SUV came up right behind me in the right hand lane and started high beaming me so I would move over, I would have but there were cars next to me, when I did get a gap I thought stuff him and slowed down (to the limit). When I finally did move over to turn into Mindarie he began to chase me and rolled down his window, flashed a badge and said he was a police officer as he approached the car it was evident that he was not infact a police officer and had the look on his face like he was going to kill me. I then sped off and went toward the police station in Joondalup (even though it is shut). He then turned off and stopped following me. I reported it to the police but because i didnt have his rego there is not much I could do. If anyone has seen a man fitting this description and in this car please let me know on here and hopefully catch him

Lisa Roche

26/02/2009

Excellent comments, Phil, Victor, Kim, Matt and Ken. I regularly drive on Esplanade and South Terrace in Freo where the limit is 50km (which I observe). The level of tailgating and unwarranted rage is unreal. It's like I'm committing a war crime by observing the speed limit!

I drive an Alfa Romeo and my observing the speed limit driving that car seems to strike some people as particularly heinous. I once had an email from a member of the police service (tongue in cheek) saying he'd seen me driving the Alfa "like a funeral director" and it was wasted on me...

Adrian

25/02/2009

There are always 2 sides to a story. As long as you weren't doing less than the speed limit. Remember, while you are busy looking in the rear vision mirror at the tailgater you are more dangerous on the road then the person behind you. Focus on the road ahead and use the left lane as much as you can. Most professional drivers are responsible. My biggest beef with motorists on the road are those that don't check to see if their brakes lights and indicators are in working condition. there are so many people out there that drive around with no working brake lights.

Lin

25/02/2009

tailgaters are unruly BUT so are people who drive at least 20k's UNDER the speed limit. The rule as I understand it is: any road with a speed limit of 90k's and above you MUST keep left - that is NOT sit in the outer lanes because you can. If you keep left it actually does free up the other lanes and keeps the traffic flowing - obviously in peak times this can be a bit hard to keep to - nevertheless - generally it works. So tailgaters and slow peeps think before you act, it could actually save lives. Tailgaters if you are late get up earlier - you know where you should be and at what time, and slow peeps TAKE THE BUS!

paddy

24/02/2009

Well I agree with you as long as you were doing the speed ,
As the main trouble I feel is that drivers doing 85 k in 100 speed
which I don't agree, if you can't do the speed keep on in the inside lane and let the other go,,....

matt

24/02/2009

WHEN A PERSON TAILGATES HE/SHE IS USING THEIR VEHICLE AS A THREATENING WEAPON. THE BEST THING TO DO TO LESSEN THE IMPACT /DAMAGE/ INJURY TO ONES SELF IS TO SLOW RIGHT DOWN EACH TIME YOU ARE THREATENED IN THIS MANNER. NEXT TAKE A DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE, REGO NO., AND TIME,T HEN MAKE A POLICE REPORT INCLUDING REGO NOS. OF WITNESS VEHICLES WHO MAY HAVE ALSO SEEN THE DANGEROUS ACTIONS. 9 TIMES OUT OF 10 YOU WILL BE SAVING ANOTHER INNOCENT MOTORIST FROM POTENTIAL WHIPLASH AND ALL THE PAIN THAT GOES WITH IT.
I HAVE REPORTED ONE SUCH INCIDENT WERE I WAS TAILGATED FOR 2KM EVEN AFTER I PULLED ASIDE TO ALLOW THE FOOL TO PASS.
I PROMPTLY REPORTED HIM( A MAN IN HIS 50S} AND WAS COMMENDED BY POLICE AS HE WAS ALREADY ON NOTICE FROM THE COURTS FROM PREVIOUS INCIDENTS

Phill Avery

24/02/2009

Dont let 'Tail Gaters' irritate you - simply adjust your mirrors so you cant see them. - Theres only one thing worse than having one fool on the road - and thats having two fools on the road. Relax or slow down.

Victor

24/02/2009

I agree with Greg, I have been driving for 61 years, here and in London. Tailgating is not only agravating it is out right dangerous and some of the worst are the heavy truck drivers and 4 wheel vehicle drivers, dont they realise that any car can have a mechanical breakdown at any speed which could cause a car to slow down or stop instantly, a 60 ton truck would (and has) gone over the top of a small car, the tailgating driver would then possibly stand for a mans slaughter charge just to gain a few minutes. So I have found the best way to survive (and I am 84) keep left, stick to the speed limit and let the cowboys take the conseqences of their (I'll do what I like on the roads) actions. I recently saw a 40 ton truck driver with a trailer driving with his left hand whilst using his right hand on his mobile phone travelling at 100kph on the Freeway and drifting into the next right lane.Think!! you are not driving a car you are inside a moving Machine. Dont be that extra loose nut in t

Kim

24/02/2009

I completely Agree Greg! couldn't have said it better myself, although you forgot to mention one vital thing..

THE RIGHT HAND LANE IS NOT A FAST LANE. it does not give one the power to speed and go over the limit to get in front of people. It is a Overtaking Lane.

Far too often do i get tailgated,flipped off, and slurred abuse, for simply driving the speed limit in the right hand lane to get around a much slower truck/buss whichever.

People have forgotten what the lane is for, and simply think of it as a lane too speed in.

Ken Williams

24/02/2009

I have The sticker " The closer you get the slower I go" on my back window. I do it as well. Tailgaters should be banned from driving. Especially some of our "professional" drivers.