Why do people tailgate?

[earlestownflya]

I didn't realise that there was a pecking order for driver status based upon the cost of the car being driven.

i don't believe he mentioned cost,vern

 

[vernon]

Was my explanation about braking distances too complicated? ;-)

So which cars don't offend you when they are tailgating you.

 

[vernon]

i don't believe he mentioned cost,vern

Cost was implicit not explicit.

 

[earlestownflya]

Cost was implicit not explicit.

i did'nt see where it was implied. a mercedes will have better brakes than a citroen xantia...fact

 

[bozmandb9]

So which cars don't offend you when they are tailgating you.

Really there are none, but if somebody is tailgating me in a car which can outbrake mine, then I'll find it slightly less offensive, than if somebody tailgates me in an old jalopy, which will struggle to stop in twice the distance it'll take my car. Nothing to do with cost, brand or status, if a Trabant could outbrake my car, the same principle would apply.

 

[vernon]

i did'nt see where it was implied. a mercedes will have better brakes than a citroen xantia...fact

You could start an argument in an empty room.

 

[Profpointy]

not defending tailgating. but..

.. (starting to sound like I'm not a racist, but)...

...anyhow, often whilst following at a sensible distance the "lane hogger" doesn't register anyone behind so drives on in the outside lane - after all non-one's (close) behind.

Still no excuse, and I don't do it, but a bit of an explanation maybe.

Did hear a bizarre explanation of the tailgating mentality. Someone challenged for tailgating claimed they got there quicker. Justified this by slowing to increase the gap "see, I'm going slower" - speeded up closing the gap " see, now I'm going faster" - with a facial expression suggesting complete idiocy of the challenger.

True story, albeit 2nd hand

 

[winjim]

I noticed yesterday they've started putting these signs out along the motorway roadworks:

 

[swansonj]

i did'nt see where it was implied. a mercedes will have better brakes than a citroen xantia...fact

A 52 plate Citroen, I 'm guessing, has ABS. In which case I question that it has a significantly worse stopping distance, certainly not two times? The stopping distance will surely depend primarily on the condition of the tyres.

Tailgating is still wrong. But a psychological state of mind that you are driving a superior car is a bit worrying too.

 

[Profpointy]

even if car has "better brakes" the "thinking distance" is going to be more than braking distance anyway. And I suggest that Merc drivers (typically older) don't have quicker reactions than young hoolligans in Novas

 

[mickle]

even if car has "better brakes" the "thinking distance" is going to be more than braking distance anyway. And I suggest that Merc drivers (typically older) don't have quicker reactions than young hoolligans in Novas

Novas?

 

[winjim]

Novas?

Is it 1994?

 

[Profpointy]

Is it 1994?

OK I don't know the ins and outs of modern cars like novas

 

[Dan B]

Really there are none, but if somebody is tailgating me in a car which can outbrake mine, then

Then it'll make really not much difference as they'll need 80ft of road between your car and theirs before their brain tells their foot to activate their Megabrakez Of Awesome anyway

 

[bozmandb9]

A 52 plate Citroen, I 'm guessing, has ABS. In which case I question that it has a significantly worse stopping distance, certainly not two times? The stopping distance will surely depend primarily on the condition of the tyres.

Tailgating is still wrong. But a psychological state of mind that you are driving a superior car is a bit worrying too.

Sure, so mine are less than 6 months old, and probably cost what his car is worth. I guarantee my brakes are better, regardless of whether he has ABS. I very much bout if he has great tyres on a £500 car.

As for your silly comment about my state of mind, I'd suggest an awareness of the stopping abilities of a tailgating car, is a responsible attitude rather than the arrogance you imply.

And this is not about status, I've had a £250 ten year old Ford Mondeo, yes it had ABS, but the braking ability was still crap, I drove it accordingly! I'm saying drive taking into account the abilities of your vehicle, as well as other factors, and also take into account the fact that other vehicles may not have the same abilities.