Few things are as frustrating as having a tailgater behind you. You can sense that they are putting you in greater danger, and it probably feels like they are doing it for no reason at all – or for a dangerous reason, such as being an aggressive driver.
This leads you to the natural question, which is why people would tailgate to begin with. It is more dangerous, it violates the three-second rule and it causes accidents. Here are three reasons that people may do it anyway.
1. It is intentional aggression
As noted above, they could be intentionally driving this way to be aggressive. They may be frustrated with your speed or think that you cut them off, for instance. This is their way of getting back at you, despite how problematic it is.
2. They want to pass
However, in most cases, tailgating just happens because someone wants to pass and feels that the car ahead of them is driving too slowly. They may tailgate in an effort to get that driver to speed up. They may also do it because they are preparing to pass when they see an opening.
3. They are oblivious
Finally, you do have to consider the fact that they may have no idea that they are tailgating at all. Many people are completely oblivious and do not even know about the three-second rule. This doesn’t make it any less dangerous, however.
Tailgaters cause accidents every day, and you could suffer serious injuries as a result of their negligence. Be sure you know what legal options you have to seek compensation.