| Author | Message | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 806 Registered: 3-2002 |
this type of thing has happened to me as well. and i have thought about calling the police, but the next thought is either that the police won't have time or inclination to help me out, or that once they have stopped the perp, he will then somehow seek revenge on me (either remembers the car/ license plate), and then i have an even bigger problem. usually i just slow down or pull off into a gas station - which is actually the best solution since there are usually people and you can at least do something with the time you are wasting. | ||
| Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
Junior Member Username: Mlambert890 Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2002 |
The only problem with the reasonable solutions is that they won't work when someone is deliberately trying to harass you. If you slow way down (or even wave them on), the person will probably just get angrier if their goal is to harass you due to some unreasonable anger they posses. This kind of situation is just really tough and is something you have to hope never happens. The fact that the lunatic Civic driver was so enraged and actually angry that they weren't able to exit with Norman shows that this person was dangerous and not going to be disuaded by "normal" means. In a case like this I think 911 is really the answer. | ||
| Nick Berry (Nickb)
Junior Member Username: Nickb Post Number: 73 Registered: 8-2002 |
A very simple solution. Put your hand out the window and wave him around you. As he/she pulls along side just slow down and they are on their merry way. If they continue in their attempt to race you, put your caution signal on and slow down further. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2619 Registered: 6-2001 |
When someone tailgates me, i first try to see if there is a reason (ie. something wrong with my car.) If this is the case, people will usually honk or pull alongside you and point to something. If i know that this is not the case, i first try to brake check them, giving the brackes a quick jab, then hitting the gas. This lets them know that they're too close. If this doesnt work, i give them a reason to tail gate. I slow down to a crawl. The person usually goes around. On a one lane road i try to pull over and let them by. I drive a "normal" car, so i guess its a little different. One of these days i want to just let the guy rearend me. It will be his fault, although i dont want whiplash or a dented up car. Also, its usually the morons in SUV's that tailgate A possible solution i have been thinking about is keeping a 1,000,000 candle power handheld spotlight in the car. When you point this baby out the back window, anyone behind you will back off because they wont be able to see where they are going. | ||
| Patman36 (Patrickr)
Junior Member Username: Patrickr Post Number: 115 Registered: 4-2002 |
I have had this happen a couple of times, once in the Vette. It was about 2AM this New Years and I was heading home from the girlfriends house. Suprisingly, there was NOBODY on the highway. Living in Oklahoma, there are plenty of huge Chevy/Ford pickups tooling around. A new Chevy Silverado started tailgating me. No reason to... this was a four lane highway each direction and he could have easily passed me. I changed lanes, he changes lanes to keep behind me... this kept on going for about three miles. I finally stood on the go-fast peddle and took it up into the triple digits and exited. I then got back on the highway behind him and got his license plate number. I don't think speeding up is the key. I do second the idea to wash your windshield. It is harmless enough for you, the worst that can happen is that you will have to wash your already beautiful car again. The spray will get on their windshield enough so they'll have to slow down and wash their windshield. By that time, you could have exited. I'm sorry to hear about your misfortunes Norman... I'm sure it not only made you uncomfortable and nervous, it may have ruined your day. My experience started my year off poorly. When in doubt next time, I'll keep him on my tail and call the police... Patrick  | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 259 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hmmmm, Man I am glad I do not drive in the USA, with all this talk of guns. I think the best solution is (like has been said) to let the guy think he has won and then he will piss off and play with somebody else. How do you do that? Well I have always slowed right down without using the brakes when I get tailgated. Two things usually happen, they change lanes and pass me, or they slow down heaps more than me and create the correct gap and thus I speed up again. This is actually the correct procedure described by the RTA, as by slowing down I am increasing my braking distance to any car infront and thus given myself plenty of time to stop giving the fact that the guy behind needs EARLY warning. Now slowing down too much might piss them off, but I usually find that I only have to slow 20 or so mph below the speed limit when they get the picture. I ocassionally have speed up, but this is usually what the want ... ie. a race to show how good their modified Civic is, etc. and even if you win the next traffic light gives them chance to catch up again. I personally am not into provoking arguments, as many of my mates used to enjoy doing, and thus VERY rarely every allow myself to get crumpy with another driver ... I just concentrate on keeping my car straight and family safe. The end result situation is not worth it ... as most don't listen anyway ... and road rage is as big in Aussie and a woman lost her unborn baby not long ago after her car was rammed into a wall by a road rage wanker ... again not worth trying to win any small brain sized road argument. Unfortunately it is only going to get worse as the roads get more congested ... Race tracks look more appealing every day Pete | ||
| L. Wayne Ausbrooks (Lwausbrooks)
Intermediate Member Username: Lwausbrooks Post Number: 1241 Registered: 8-2002 |
Once knew a guy that carried a cardboard box on his back seat with a fully loaded AR-15 in it just for situations like this. As far as I know, he never fired it at anybody, but I can only imagine the look on the faces of jerks like this when he would grab it and point it out the window at them. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2838 Registered: 8-2002 |
i keep a long aluminum bat in the car for people like that... | ||
| ken rentiers (Rentiers)
Junior Member Username: Rentiers Post Number: 164 Registered: 2-2003 |
"Concealed Carry License" Legal here. I don't have one. Don't feel I need the state's permission to defend myself. Likelyhood of my ever using the .38 in anger is about 0.00002%, however I subscribe to the credo of John Bernard Brooks. "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same from them." | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 505 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just turn on your hazards, slow down and move over to the right lane and see if the person passes you, if not get the lic. plate # and call HP and report the incident, let the guy keep following you till the HP unit comes out and you can watch the regrets of the bastard following you. It happened to me once before and I called in my buddy who is a CHP pilot that radioed a patrol car and pulled the driver over and I pulled over also to explain the situation and stupid to see the guy trying to deny it but my word was strong against his but the guy only got a warning unfortunately but after that when I took off he stayed way back from me. Never fool with someone you don't know.... | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
Junior Member Username: Ronr Post Number: 155 Registered: 10-2002 |
Concealed Carry License | ||
| Paul Hill (348paul)
Junior Member Username: 348paul Post Number: 135 Registered: 12-2002 |
Reminds me of the old classic film "Duel" The one where they guy is in his car and is being tailgated by a Tanker (Rig, Artic Lorry...) Timeless - No storyline but compulsive!! | ||
| Norman (Storminnormin)
Junior Member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 86 Registered: 7-2002 |
Tyler, what's a CCL? | ||
| Carl Roberts (Carl63_99)
New member Username: Carl63_99 Post Number: 38 Registered: 10-2001 |
I was on my way from San Antonio to Austin in my 28 foot RV, doing about 65 in the right lane. A guy in an eclipse drives past me on the left, and cuts over and slows down. Two seconds and I have to move left to pass him. Another half mile, and he pulls the same stunt, forcing me to change lanes again to pass him. Third time, when he comes back in front of me, I just stayed there. I know, NOT the right thing to do, but this guy just kept on me, and the road was clear, sun was shinning, and HE was in the sports car! I got REALLY close to his back bumper, and imagine the word "FORD" filled his rear-view mirror. He finally nailed the gas and got ahead, and next time I was approaching him, he moved to the left and let me by. This time he got the message. This one really confounds me, I was in this big old RV, he was in an eclipse, and he has to play games with me? | ||
| Matt S (F40only)
Junior Member Username: F40only Post Number: 59 Registered: 3-2003 |
Downshifted and let that monstrous V-12 scream to redline through all six gears. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 616 Registered: 12-2001 |
"It's why I keep a .38 in the car. Last resort booger repellant." AMEN, Ken! I also would have called the police first. But as a last resort I advise obtaining a CCL(if legal in your state). Never know when things can go bad. | ||
| Christopher McCormick (92_348ts)
Junior Member Username: 92_348ts Post Number: 102 Registered: 6-2002 |
In response to Ed's comment "an aggressor really cannot be sited unless the officer actually observes them doing it", that is both true and false. Ed is right that the officer HIMSELF can't cite the individual for the offense (reckless, following to close, etc.) if he didn't actually observe it. However, if you call it in, the officer has now has probable cause to pull the vehicle over and issue the jerk a citation that YOU have signed. On top of that, once the officer has pulled the car over for your complaint, he often finds that the driver has other issues (does not have a license or insurance, drugs in the car, warrant, etc.) that need to be addressed. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 657 Registered: 3-2002 |
As the former driver of an old Civic, I can tell you that another 5 mph should have taken care of this guy. My wife likes to mention how the only time I lose my temper is in traffic. It bothers me to no end when people are so casual about endangering others. | ||
| ken rentiers (Rentiers)
Junior Member Username: Rentiers Post Number: 161 Registered: 2-2003 |
Noel is right. Without using your brakes just gradually let the car slow to 35 mph or so, esp. if the perp has opportunities to pass you. Once he "wins the race" by getting past you take a short detour until something else occupies his neuron before resuming travel. I wouoldn't try to outrun him unless you are in a remote enough situation to maintain a high rate of speed for a few miles. Happened to me crossing the desert in West Texas. In this case the perp was in an F350 the size of the USS Forrestal with huge ribbed tires bigger than Rosie O'Donnell's ass. He had what must have been an enormous V8. I ran off on him about 110 and slowed down 5 miles up the road - keep in mind I was cruising at about 95 or so! 10 miles later here he comes again. Finally had to rack it up to 120 for a half hour or so to get completely away from him, think I lost him at the I-10 , I-20 split. A true member of the crusty underpants guild.  It's why I keep a .38 in the car. Last resort booger repellant. | ||
| David Stoeppelwerth (Racerdj)
New member Username: Racerdj Post Number: 35 Registered: 1-2003 |
If you had your cell phone, a call to 911 or California Highway Patrol would be appropriate. Sometimes faking a phone call will cause the brainless to back off. | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2002 |
an aggressor really cannot be sited unless the officer actually observes them doing it. However, you never know. There could be an officer really close who could get there if they aren't running radar (sic!). But, slowing down and getting away from them, often by exiting and reentering is the best thing to do. Usually, if you just get away from the jerk he/she will find someone else to bug and you'll be out of it. There aren't many circumstances I can think of where you would want dualing idiots - which always takes two! | ||
| Norman (Storminnormin)
Junior Member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 85 Registered: 7-2002 |
I wanted to take a conservative non-confrontational approach to this aggressor. As far as I'm concerned, two cars dueling on the road are more dangerous than playing with a loaded gun. I didn't want to compound a dangerous situation by driving recklessly at high speed through moderately heavy traffic. I considered calling the police, but I wondered if they would have the time or desire to come to my aid. In retrospect, in light of the number of suggestions from everybody, I should have, and in future will, call the police earlier than later. BTW, are you a police officer, Jay? Would the aggressor be cited for reckless driving? Are there additional offenses they could be cited for in such a situation? Also thanks for everybody's input. | ||
| Jay S. Morris (J_saber)
Junior Member Username: J_saber Post Number: 75 Registered: 12-2002 |
Calling the police is your best bet. We just had a case like this the other day but were able to stop the offending vehicle before any harm had happened. You never know the intent of the other driver. Never battle with that kind of idiot becuase if you lose it most likely will be more than you bargined for. Just my thoughts on the world, Jay | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 820 Registered: 10-2002 |
Dial 911. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Junior Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 164 Registered: 2-2003 |
One more favorite trick... turn your rear fog lights on first, and if they don't work independently of your driving/front beams, flick those on and it will look like instant brake lights (rare will a tailgater know what brake lights are on a 360 nor care in that split second they jam on their brakes to avoid you because they DON'T want to smack into a Modena, thats their gut reaction. Easy to trap them in then or change lanes and avoid. In Los Angeles, people like to hang 1-1.5 (at most) car lengths off everyone's tail, unless I'm in a caravan or in a "drive" with a bunch of people, no reason to ever be that close! | ||
| Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
New member Username: Fvellani Post Number: 34 Registered: 8-2002 |
gorgeous 550 norman I think you did the right thing by trying to get him to back off and then making sure you got away from him safely...I probably would have either called the cops or gunned it, but this may not have been an option due to traffic, etc...I liked Dave's idea, to exit off, get back on the highway behind him, and call the cops, and Sunny's idea to have the cops meet you ahead and nab him... People who play dumbass games like that scare the hell out of me...why would you do something that stupid... | ||
| jake diamond (Rampante)
Junior Member Username: Rampante Post Number: 80 Registered: 4-2002 |
Sometimes it's tempting to try and "get back" at the a-hole but in today's world with all the hotheads and sickos out there, it's probably best to let him think he won. Several years ago there was a motorist who was shot and killed by someone pulling the same antics you described (in upstate N.Y.)--the shooter was never caught. | ||
| acw (Acw)
Junior Member Username: Acw Post Number: 143 Registered: 2-2002 |
Use your windscreen washer to spray some fluid all over the tailgater. This usually works but may piss him/her off beyond limits. Breaking is very tempting but can definitely lead to accidents you don't want. I think in this case I would have floored the car. Sounds like a great reason to go fast. ACW | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Junior Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 177 Registered: 11-2002 |
The pedal furthest to the right comes to mind. Then exit in the next exit. | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Junior Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 238 Registered: 5-2002 |
Put the shifter towards reverse just enough so the reverse lights come on. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 4050 Registered: 12-2000 |
I made the mistake of hiting the gas last time this happend to me. About two weeks ago here on 114 in DFW I was being tailgated by a truck, so I hit the gas and was up to 100 in no time. I was about home and they have construction zones on 114, although no work going on at 10pm, the speed limit is still 40 mph. I was busted for 83 mph. I didn't even try to explain to the cop, I knew it was useless. What pissed me off more was when I went to the courthouse to pay the ticket I got a lecture from the admin for "I can't believe you were going 83 in a construction zone". Of course she loved my response that the only reason they had that construction zone, since there was no construciton going on, was to pay her low salary. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Junior Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 163 Registered: 2-2003 |
Trap them in a lane, which is usually what I do. And never acknowledge them. Call the police and have them meet me ahead, I'd lengthen my trip just to trap them. Sunny | ||
| Kevin Marcus (Rumordude)
Junior Member Username: Rumordude Post Number: 127 Registered: 9-2001 |
Forgetting the "how did a civic catch up to you" question that has already been hinted at, I'd try that smokescreen or oil slick or... Seriously though, I strongly dislike it when people do that - but even more is when they drive up and stick right in your blind spot. Grrr. | ||
| noel smith (Noel)
Junior Member Username: Noel Post Number: 98 Registered: 2-2003 |
Norman, i would have slowed down to 40mph and drove him crazy. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 442 Registered: 10-2001 |
Last year... I was driving my BMW Z3 at 2am Sunday night coming back from a weekend trip going 70mph in the right lane. I see a guy in a pick-up coming very fast behind me. He drove up beside me in the left lane and cut right in front of me, If I hadn't slammed on the brakes and cut hard back into his lane, where he had been a second ago..I would have been crashed into the side of his big dented truck or run off the right side of the highway. I'm very lucky I didn't over snap and fish tail. I almost took off his back bummper it was so close and happened so fast. My girlfriend was sleeping and she freaked out. Glad I saw him coming and had a sneaky feeling before he even got to me. I just stopped on the left shoulder of 95 and watched stunned as he screwed with two more cars as he made his way up the Highway, before I lost site of him. Guy just had a death wish or something. Some times you run across crazy people. Looked like this nut was on his way home from the night-shift and hated people that drove sports cars. I got a good look in his face before he pulled this stunt. His eyes had that crazed look. Seemed like he was so natural he must have done this many times before. | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 348 Registered: 9-2001 |
Norman, Well I am just a German from the "old part of Europe" I guess but instead of calling the police I would have simply hit the floor with my pedal. In Germany you can go as fast as you like on a highway as long as there is no speed limit. A Honda Civic would be out of the view of the rear mirrow of my 348tb very, very fast... (First lesson of italian driving: What lies behind you is of no importance ) Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 860 Registered: 1-2002 |
Norman, I would have exited much earlier, and just as suddenly as you did, and then gotten back on behind the thug. I also would have used my cell phone to call 911 & report a dangerously aggressive & reckless driver, with full description of make, model, & color. If possible, I would have tried to catch back up & also report his tag #... | ||
| "The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 3104 Registered: 8-2002 |
I would call the police. | ||
| Norman (Storminnormin)
Junior Member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2002 |
I was on my way to Tako's party today minding my own business in the 2nd lane from the left going about 80 on 101S when this dipstick in an old civic tailgates me so close that I can see the whites of his eyes. He does this for over 2 miles. I change lanes so that he can pass, but he follows me over and tails me again. So now I know he is no mere lookyloo. Now, I don't mind people checking out my car, but driving that close to me there is dangerous. So, I give a quick tap on the brakes to back him off, he almost loses control because, of course, HE'S TOO DAMN CLOSE to me. For some reason this pisses him off, so he tails me again. I change lanes, and so does he. And again. And again. At least 5 miles of this. I change again, and he moves into my driver's side blind spot so I can't change lanes. Reaching my threshold for this dangerous cat and mouse game, I suddenly pull off at Palo Alto. He's going to fast to follow me off, although God knows he tried. Swerving a bit, he screams at me through his closed window, and continues down 101. What a ••••. I don't like dueling with people like that. What would you guys have done? |