why do some drivers tailgate?

I understand that it may be your pet peeve, but I disagree that it was stupid. In fact it was very smart as it prevented me from going critical on gas. Anyway, I kept a safe enough distance - while still riding his drag, and he didn’t blow anything, I’m here in one piece. And I tip my hat to him for being my road companion of sorts.

 

There is THAT. I had a tailgating pickup truck on I-35 south of San Antonio, while I was maintaining about 8 seconds following distance to a big rig ahead of me. Suddenly that rig hit the brakes to let an RV get past him, then yanked over to the hammer lane. There was a 4x4 at a diagonal in the right lane.

I hit the turn signal and started moving into the hammer lane. Wouldn't you know it, but that pickup driver that had been tailgating for the last thirty minutes decided right at that moment that he wanted to make a snappy pass, hitting the accelerator. I kept moving far enough into the hammer lane to avoid the 4x4, straddling the zipper AND put on my 4 ways.

Mr. Tailgator laid on his horn, kept on the median shoulder, then suddenly slammed on the brakes to clear my trailer, then gunned it to pass me on the right. He ate the 4x4. I could see his rear axle lift up as the 4x4 did a pole plant on his under carriage. Smoke immediately poured out.

Last I saw him he was easing onto the shoulder. Sometimes a turn signal isn't a suggestion.

Tailgating gives you zero probability to avoid carnage, especially if you aren't in CB communication with the lead vehicle.

 

No if your close enough to draft, your too close putting everyone on the highway at risk, yes that make this action real stupid, no defense.

 

Sorry, but I think you’re wrong. Sound off, but I’m fully aware of risks, and can say with authority that the frenzied South Florida traffic around us was much more dangerous. Myself and the trucker were the only ones around cruising at a sensible 60 mph. Even two seconds behind you’re getting into a big truck’s draft. I would certainly do it again under the same circumstances.

 

Your last line proves my point. Stupid is as stupid does. Rest my case.

 

I wouldn't.

 

When I hear drivers sit and justify following too close and/or express this in writing I just start hoping they get through their career without becoming a statistic. I a long time ago stopped trying to reason with them. Honestly I think solving all the problems in the middle east is easier done.

 

Sounds like there's nothing you can really do. The tailgaters should learn to accept their fate in this situation, back off the hammer and learn some patience.

 

Let me add to this. Usually when someone tailgates another rig... it’s a sign to get over in the slow lane. These days no one seems to use CB radios and they don’t understand common courtesy. It’s all about me and this is my lane and I ain’t moving. I’m very lucky to have started trucking the old school way (since 1979) and I’m “Always” watching who’s behind me and if there in a hurry.... I get out of he way, way before there on my ICC bumper.