Tailgating: A Dangerous Driving Behavior Thatannoys Me the Most

When it comes to dangerous driving behaviors, tailgating is one that particularly irks me. It can be particularly stressful, especially when I am already driving at an extra high speed or boxed in by a slow-moving driver ahead of me with nowhere to pull over. While some people may find it scary, my annoyance stems from the fact that it disrupts my driving plans and can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

The Impact of Tailgating on My Driving Style

As a hypermiler, my primary goal while driving is to achieve maximum fuel efficiency rather than simply reaching high speeds. This often means driving at slightly below the flow of traffic, which is where I typically prefer to stay. When on the highway, I commonly reserve the faster lanes for those who wish to exceed the speed limit, steering clear of tailgaters who may be looking to overtake me.

Understanding the Annoyance of Tailgating

What really annoys me is being followed by someone who races up behind me and tailgates. While I understand the rule that slower cars should stay to the right, when I set my cruise control to the speed that feels optimal for me, it can be frustrating to have someone honk and push to overtake. I generally choose to ignore such behavior until the tailgater gets so frustrated that they start driving around me, which usually resolves the issue.

Addressing Common Misunderstandings and Misconceptions

There are a few common misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary frustration and tenseness on the road. For instance, anyone thinking that being in the right lane means being slower, and therefore more vulnerable to tailgating, needs to understand the nuances of safe driving. When I am maintaining a slower speed in the right lane, I am actually following the law for good reason, and anyone who feels the need to speed by me may not realize the dangers they are causing.

Another related point is that not everyone in the faster lanes is a speeding maniac. There are indeed cases where people in the faster lanes are actually going the speed limit but simply want to get where they are going faster. It's important to understand that every driver has their own pace and journey, and being in the right lane doesn't necessarily mean being a hindrance to traffic flow.

Conclusion

While it's not uncommon to come across various driving behaviors that can frustrate or scare us, tailgating is one that stands out to me as a particularly annoying behavior. It not only disrupts my driving style but can also lead to potential unsafe driving situations. As a responsible and law-abiding driver, it's important to maintain a sense of diplomacy and patience on the road, while also being aware of the frustrated and impatient drivers who may need a lesson in safe and considerate driving.