[QUOTE]Originally posted by hoof
[B]Carlson, you realize that by changing lanes when someone is tailgating you, you're *encouraging* them to tailgate people.

 

If you don't have any other option (speed up, get out of the way, etc.), I usually use the brake light to let them know they're too close. I don't actually get on the brakes but use just enough pedal with my left foot to get the light to come on while still maintaining speed. This usually gets the message across without scaring and/or antagonizing the tailgater. Has worked OK for me, though people are people and there are those who will take offense at anything.

-Andy

 

I downshift without hitting the brakes to let the engine slow me down very gradually. Once they go to make the pass I give them the VTEC to the dome.

 

I downshift one gear, slow down very gradually, then gun it so as to create a space between me and the tailgater. This works very well when the other lanes are all going slower than us, because the tailgater really has no choice but to stay behind me.

Sometimnes I have to repeat this procedure several times until the ass gets the idea.

I NEVER get over to another lane and let them pass by. This only encourages them to tailgate some more, by thinking they can get their way by tailgaiting, and we can't have that.

Usually I'll throw them a sarcastically friendly wave goodbye when I am certain we will be parting ways on the highway. This must simply infuriate them. Hopefull the experience they just had with me will deter them from wanting to ever tailgate again.

 

too bad we don't have one of these for those tailgaters.

 

I've been tempted to make a bumper sticker that said something like "If you can read this, that means that I can slam on the brakes and have you pay for a new car", but never could get the wording that I liked

 

occasionally i'll just flick the tab to the day/night angle on the rear-view... with my middle finger

i've tried most of the stuff listed on this thread. tailgating is the number one thing that bothers me when driving. my preferred method is downshifting then speeding up, especially if its an SUV. i don't mind slowing down and speeding up over and over to keep space and it usually wears them out and they keep a huge space just so they can keep constant speed.

 

I just turn around, make eye contact and give them my best WTF look.

But then the only time I get someone on my ass is in heavy traffic. If I see someone catching up I get out of the way--if they want to go faster I let them--just like I'd like to be treated.

Last time I was tailgated was by a redneck in a pickup on a 30 mph street. He was all of 5 feet behind me when I toosed it into a gas station drive then popped out behind him. I think he was just an idiot. Certainly not worth getting in an accident over.

Its a shame that a drivers license is a right in this country.

 

As I read these posts, it amazes me how many of you performance car owners don't know how to drive! I almost never get tailgated BECAUSE I don't cruise in the PASSING lane. If you are in the left lane and there is light traffic, you need to move over. If you are in the left lane and there is light traffic and someone is tailgating you, YOU ARE THE MORON. GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY! If they flash their lights at you in the attempt to have you move over, YOU HAVE BEEN A MORON FOR QUITE A WHILE AND YOU HAVE PISSED THEM OFF!

Now, if traffic is heavy and you are being tailgated, it is probably someone that is a habitual tailgater and the middle finger usually does a good job of solving this problem. Believe me, they have seen it before for the same reason.

If you read this and it pisses you off and you think I am an ass for saying what I have said, just assume that you are part of the problem, not the solution. JMO

 

I never take crap like that from morons. If they ride my ass to the point of distraction I pull my SIG 228 out of the shoulder holster, turn around, and pop a couple of caps into their radiator. If that doesn't get their attention I take out a front tire. That usually takes care of it. Of course I'm kidding but I do enjoy fantasizing about easy solutions.

ralper, I'm assuming that you are not blocking the passing lane (heavy traffic is self explanatory). Here's a solution not mentioned yet: Go to a toy store and buy a fake badge that resembles a symbol of authority in your state (preferably not a police badge). Make sure that any self respecting cop would laugh at it if scrutinized closely. When a moron gets on your nerves/bumper simply hold it up and "flash" it at him while giving him the evil eye. He will be to far away to get a good look at it but I'll bet it still gets his attention. It should have the desired effect your looking for.