[bimmer456]

Let me first say that, whenever possible (such as on the expressway), I yield the left lane to faster traffic. And I always move quickly to the right after I've passed someone as long as the lane is clear ahead, regardless of how fast I am going. Still, there are cases where, even when traveling 85MPH, I am tailgated.

Recently, I became aware that my brake lights come on when I barely touch the brake pedal, before the brakes are actually applied. So, if I use the two pedal method while driving, I can illuminate the brake lights without actually braking, which stops tailgaters in their tracks. Even cars approaching at high speed slow down and pass with more civility. This isn't brake checking since I'm not slowing down, and I can even do it while accelerating if I wish.

What methods do you use to discourage tailgaters?

[overcoil]

I pretend I'm warning up racing slicks. A few sharp swerves side to side and the tailgaters think I'm on drugs.

[allinon72]

I hear you, OP. I get tailgated regularly for no good reason at all.

[lakefront]

Originally Posted by allinon72

I get tailgated regularly for no good reason at all.

Exactly, I get tailgated regularly, even when in traffic with cars in all lanes in front of me.

[Darth One]

Personally, I find caltrops work well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caltrop

[c1pher]

It doesn’t matter how much over the speed limit I am going, there is always someone else on my ass wanting to go faster. If I’m already in the slow lane, and all I can see is the whites of their eyes, I incrementally slow down by five miles an hour until they finally decide to pass. If I’m in the fast lane, I move over as soon as I’m done passing. Unfortunately this does not please everyone.

[1MOREMOD]

What I hate is people that have a dire need to pass you, but then once they do, they go slower or the same speed. I use cruise control almost exclusively set at about ten over so my speed remains constant. Meanwhile, other drivers repeatedly speed up and slow down, so I end up passing the same vehicles multiple times on my commute. Pick a speed, people!

[RM7]

No sympathy whatsoever for tailgaiters. It means you are driving out of control, if the car ahead suddenly stops, you will ram into it, despite how good you think you are.

[pikkagtr]

Windshield wiper attack works every time.

[nick3753]

Turn on the rear fog lights and simultaneously slam the gas pedal.

[ccdre]

Maybe this would help?

[GenXer]

I get tail-gated when I'm in the middle lane going 85MPH
People are A** holes

They don't want to bother switching to the left lane to pass like they should since it's too obvious that they're speeding. So they will keep riding your tail.

Oddly enough, I've never been tailed-gated by any exotic car (probably due to the small number that exist) or any sports car for that matter. It's just SUV and mini vans that are always in a hurry.

[Germanauto]

The worst is when you get tailed in a parking lot or residential neighborhood. Those are places you should never speed or be remotely aggressive.

[brad850csi]

I turn the fogs on, works especially well at night time

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

What I hate is people that have a dire need to pass you, but then once they do, they go slower or the same speed. I use cruise control almost exclusively set at about ten over so my speed remains constant. Meanwhile, other drivers repeatedly speed up and slow down, so I end up passing the same vehicles multiple times on my commute. Pick a speed, people!

It's super annoying when they pass you and then slow down sometimes after changing into your lane. WTF is up with that?

[happyjack]

couple weeks ago, i was rolling about 85 in the left lane at 530 AM in a 65 mph zone. headlights come screaming up behind me, so i signal and move over...smartcar goes blazing by me. had no idea those little cars could pass 90, but props to that driver.

[P1]

When I'm in the middle lane, and need to overtake someone using the left lane, I keep my left blinker on until I've passed the slower car(s), then turn on my right blinker and move back in the middle lane.

This shows any potential tailgaters coming up behind me I'm actively overtaking but won't stay in the left lane for too long.

[P1]

Although we often would love to teach tailgaters a lesson, it's not worth it and it's not our job. As long as it is safe, just pull over, let them pass, and carry on with your day. You don't know why they are being so aggressive, and you shouldn't want to know why either. If you feel they are truly driving out of control, then simply call 911 and report it.

[M_Chronos]

Originally Posted by c1pher

It doesn’t matter how much over the speed limit I am going, there is always someone else on my ass wanting to go faster. If I’m already in the slow lane, and all I can see is the whites of their eyes, I incrementally slow down by five miles an hour until they finally decide to pass. If I’m in the fast lane, I move over as soon as I’m done passing. Unfortunately this does not please everyone.

So much this; and you and I drive in the same region. Worst bit is I don't think most of these folks want to actually go faster. They mindlessly meander along clueless of their speed until they encounter another car in front then begin mindlessly following at way too close distances. I'll never know how it's possible it takes 20+ mph of reduced speed to get someone's mind engaged to think "huh, something has changed here, perhaps I should consider passing."

Recently on an empty rural WV highway I eased a guy behind me from 75 to 90 then all the way down to 60. His very close following distance never changed nor did his mouth-agape 1000 yard stare, and he was not in a model of car that would have active cruise. People effing baffle me.

[yousefnjr]

Good thing none of these tailgating morons have guns

Too much to lose these days participating in their BS, I just move. Not worth engaging.

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by pikkagtr

Windshield wiper attack works every time.

No, it doesn't.

Originally Posted by M_Chronos

Recently on an empty rural WV highway I eased a guy behind me from 75 to 90 then all the way down to 60. His very close following distance never changed nor did his mouth-agape 1000 yard stare, and he was not in a model of car that would have active cruise. People effing baffle me.

You made the situation worse & less safe by slowing down 15mph less than you're were going. If things are so bad, call the cops.

[nlaak]

Originally Posted by FuriouslyFast

You made the situation worse & less safe by slowing down 15mph less than you're were going.

And what is someone supposed to do with a car following too closely, speed up? If someone is tailgating me, especially when there's opportunity to pass me, it's my responsibility (to those in front of me) to provide stopping distance for me and the idiot behind me. I'll continue to slow until it's safe, and considering how close people tailgate sometimes that can be very slow.

Originally Posted by FuriouslyFast

If things are so bad, call the cops.

What is calling the cops going to do unless the person is actively following you? Cops don't grow on trees and even if they respond (doubtful most places) it will take time for one to show up.