How do you handle EXTREME tailgaters?

[Frank Lee]

Mine was so dumb tho'- perfectly straight, no hills, no curves, very light sporadic traffic, no visual impediments at all, AND one car on the northbound parked with 4-ways going, and one car straight across from it on the southbound with 4-ways on. I mean, what more does it take?!? Note to self: when you see a car parked on the side of the road- 4-ways on or not- slow down and if possible move over.

[Odin]

They just need to make highway lanes here in the states more narrow- there is a spot by me on I-75 where it goes from four lanes to three lanes down to two within a mile, I usually drive at exactly 55 on the highway no matter where but I've been noticing people have a very hard time driving on narrow highway roads (on those places with no shoulders and concrete walls right on the lines) When the highway is 4 lanes wide I ride 55 in the far right and still get tailgated like crazy even when the rest of the highway is empty. The people like to pull up right to your bumper wait a couple min then go around or worse, pull up to your bumper at 80 and swerve at the last second making it so if i was to even lightly brake they would smash right into me- But then 5 min later when the speed limit is 55 and the lanes have narrowed I sail right by the same person who is now white knuckled trying to not hit the wall-

smaller lanes, smaller cars, lower speeds = Good for Everyone!

[AeroModder]

I had someone right up against my bumper last night after shopping. Later, I stopped behind someone waiting for people to cross so they could turn, and the guy behind me nudged my back bumper. I guess he didn't like the fact that I don't drive fast in the pouring rain or something.

I hope he cracked his bumper.

[dennyt]

This technique could be used by drivers as well as bicyclists:

[spacer]

Most of the time it happens to me is when I'm in a large truck. And, since we tend to be held liable for accidents we didn't even cause, I'll do whatever I can to convince the tailgater to move on.
Usually that just involves gently slowing until they pass. It's amazing how many people use truckers as a form of autopilot, hanging out right behind or flanking the truck. Makes me nervous, as it completely removes my escape route to that side... the PASSING side.

As for the post just above mine, I've frequently slow-applauded folks from my bicycle. LOVE the facial expressions.

[texanidiot25]

I now have a rear windshield washer. It sprays indiscriminately over the back of the truck, but at highway speeds it'll spray the car behind me.

Another funny joke I saw was putting a tennis ball in the rear wiper. Flip the wiper to release the ball.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by dennyt

...

Is there one I can use for cyclists who decide to zigzag randomly converting a 3 lane road to a one lane one and then shout at passing cars ?

[vacationtime247]

Get their attention. Do the guillotine move with you're hand slicing across your thoat. As if to say, 'You'll be dead soon!'
VT247

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Is there one I can use for cyclists who decide to zigzag randomly converting a 3 lane road to a one lane one and then shout at passing cars ?

[Kodak]

I find that tailgaters can be a bit less perceptive than other drivers.

So if I have to downshift (and there is going to be some engine braking) I try to remember to touch by brakes to signify that I'm slowing down.

They are extremely annoying. If I'm on a road that permits passing, and the adjacent lane is empty, I try to hug the white line in an effort to suggest a safe pass. If they refuse, I may increase my speed threshold very slightly by 2-3mph, but not by much.

[Joenavy85]

Never underestimate the Braking ability of a Jeep Liberty with new Raybestos Advanced Technology Rotors and Professional Grade Pads