Interesting topic.
In 40 years of driving I've found that totally ignoring idiot drivers (including tailgaiters) usually works best. Unless there is a clear and present danger imminent.
If someone is driving erratically or dangerously I will do whatever is necessary to get away from them, whether it be legal or illegal. That is justifiable when safety is paramount.
Once about 30 years ago, I found myself being tailgated on a rural 3 lane interstate by an 18 wheeler. The speed limit was 55 then, and I was easily going a constant 65-70 in the center lane. No matter how much I would speed up beyond that to avoid being tailgated, this truck insisted on catching up to me and tailgating me. If I accelerated he'd manage to catch up to me, going probably 80+ downhill. He had many opportunities to pass me on numerous occasions, so that was not an issue. In my experience over 95% of big rig drivers are true professionals, courteous and worthy of respect - but then there is that small percentage that are a menace on the road. After about ten miles of this unsafe scenario I timed my plan just right: on a steep upgrade, with his grille just a few feet from my rear bumper I did a hard brake check and then floored it - as I got to see his brakes smoking in my rear view mirror, and his speed reduced to way below the limit.
BTW, I would not have attempted this in a small, lightweight car. I was driving a '67 Caddy Fleetwood and I knew my rear bumper could take the impact 'if push came to shove'. Call it calculated risk... But I'll bet he thought twice about tailgaiting anyone else that day.
are you not afraid of whiplash ??
Today
Other popular topics in this forum...
folks that have essentially done what Frank mentioned... Not sure a "free" rear end is worth all that... might end up costing a LOT more than $$
