Drafting

I'm with you. I have just one question. You stated you would slow down and that's what I would do but the cdl manual states to increase your distance between you and the tailgater. I personally don't see how that would help because as soon as you speed up they would too.

 

"Drafting" is Tailgating period. A massed produced vehicle is not built to "Draft". Only certain race cars built to certain specs are able to draft when up to and above a certain speed (which is usually 160mph and above). And I know what you are thinking, certain massed produced vehicles can do over 160mph right out of the factory. True they can but they aren't built for "Drafting" because they don't have the rest of the specs.

When I'm tailgated, I'll just stay my course, watch my mirrors and hope they go around at some point. If it is another Big Rig, I let my weight dictate. Usually "SuperTrucker" goes around me when I slow up going up a hill. Most other vehicles do also.

 

What it states is correct, if you are tailgating, then YOU should slow down and increase your distance. AND, if you are being tailgated, you should slow down; the person behind you will get annoyed (wanting to get down the road) and will pass you, leaving you free to resume your previous speed.
Of course, in inclement weather you can throw that clear out the window, since everyone wants to huddle up in those tight little, accident-waiting-to-happen bunches.

 

I hate it when I can't see what's going on in front of me, so I'd never draft. Why would I want to be behind the bulk of a truck in my lil 4wheeler? To save a few dollars worth of gas? Bah!

 

...get hit with rocks, etc.--also cant see junk in the road...when in my personal vehicle, I pass a big truck quickly, esp. in hot summer when a tire could explode--the concussion of the blast could 'scare' you off the road!!

 

Alot of crazy myths and urban legends in this thread. Can you guys tell me the story about the man with a hook for a hand?

 

I don't know, but I can hook you up with him if you like.

 

Sorry, but you have that backwards. It says to increase the "following distance". This is the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will allow you to come to a slower and more controled stop if something happens in front of you, reducing the chance that the tailgater will hit you.

From the CDL, section 2.7.2 - Space Behind:

If you find yourself being tailgated, here are some
things you can do to reduce the chances of a
crash.​

Avoid quick changes. If you have to slow down

or turn, signal early, and reduce speed very

gradually.
​

Increase your following distance. Opening up

room in front of you will help you to avoid

having to make sudden speed or direction
changes. It also makes it easier for the
tailgater to get around you.
​

Don't speed up. It's safer to be tailgated at a

low speed than a high speed.

​

Avoid tricks. Don't turn on your taillights or

flash your brake lights. Follow the suggestions

above.​