What to Do When You’re Being Tailgated on a Motorcycle

What to Do When You’re Being Tailgated on a Motorcycle

Being on a motorcycle brings a unique thrill, the wind rushes past you, and the world blurs into a colorful tapestry of scenery. But as exhilarating as it is, it also comes with its fair share of dangers. One of the most nerve-wracking situations you might find yourself in is being tailgated. So, what should you do if you’ve got a car right on your back wheel, riding your tail?

Tailgating – A Quick Overview

You’ve been there, right? You’re cruising along in your lane, and suddenly, there’s a car looming so close you can practically see the driver’s expression. Tailgating can be intimidating and dangerous. Not only does it reduce your reaction time, but it also limits your options if you need to maneuver quickly.

The Best Response: Change Lanes or Increase Speed

If you feel someone’s got their headlights practically in your helmet, the best thing to do is change lanes or increase your speed.
Look, it’s not just about getting away from that aggressive driver; it’s about keeping you safe. When you create space between your motorcycle and the vehicle behind you, you give yourself room to breathe—literally and figuratively. By shifting lanes or picking up speed, you lower the chances of a rear-end collision.

But, and here’s the thing, assess your surroundings first. You don’t want to swerve into oncoming traffic or cause confusion for other drivers.

Why Space Matters

Think about it: when you’re riding, you’re constantly making quick decisions. A tailgater can cut into your ability to react swiftly. With that added pressure, you might feel anxious, which is the last thing you need when navigating roads—especially in North Carolina, where the scenery can distract even the most seasoned motorcyclists!

And let’s talk about perception for a second. What might feel like a simple choice can lead to far-reaching implications. Changing lanes safely—or even increasing your speed—puts you in a better position. You become the master of your ride, instead of living in the wake of someone else’s recklessness.

Monitor Your Speed

Now, before you crank that throttle in a panic, let’s find a balance. Increasing your speed doesn’t mean breaking the law or zooming ahead like a bat out of hell. It’s about finding a comfortable pace that allows you to create that distance, while still staying in control. Remember, the road might love a show-off, but it fares better with a rider who respects their limits.

Know When to Ignore

Sometimes, you might feel the temptation to just ignore the driver behind you. But honestly, turning your back to tailgaters isn’t the best mindset. Riding defensively doesn’t just mean avoiding a crash; it’s about being aware of how others are acting around you.

That said, if changing lanes isn’t safe, slowing down a bit might help. This gives the tailgating driver a cue to either pass you or back off. Just be careful—too much speed reduction could have unintended consequences, like catching other drivers off-guard.

Riding with Confidence

Ultimately, the key takeaway here is confidence. Ride like you own the road (legally, of course)! If you feel a sense of command over your motorbike and the situation around you, you’ll make better decisions. Is it scary? Sometimes. But, isn’t that part of what makes riding so thrilling?

In Summary

Tailgating might come with the territory when you’re out on that open road, but you don’t have to put up with it without a plan. Always aim to change lanes or increase your speed to ensure you’re creating that vital space. Your safety depends on it, and a confident approach to riding not only protects you but enhances the joy of being on a motorcycle.

So next time you feel someone riding your tail, remember these tips, breathe, and ride on with purpose.