Was I wrong for f***************d to a tailgating woman driver?

Question

Here's was the situation......

I was driving on the interstate and got in the left lane to pass a slower vehicle..I was doing the posted speed limit and here comes this lady in a huge SUV she could barely handle and got right on my butt as I was passing the other vehicle. Ok, this is one of my biggest pet peeves (TAILGATERS)...so I continued to stay in the left lane doing the speed limit and then hit my breaks to back her off my butt. She was 2 feet from my tailgate going 65 mph....the more she got on me, the more I stayed in lane and wouldn't let her pass......When speed slowed to 55, she got opportunity to pass me on right side and I flipped her off as she passed....She almost crashed as she cut in front of me and she proceeded to go about 85 in a 55......So was I wrong?

Answer 1

Sounds like a clear case of road rage, on your part.  Yes there are aggressive jerks on the road, it's best to make way for them and let them move on.  In this day of violence and a complete disregard for human life, it's a lot safer for all concerned, if you had allowed the woman to pass you.

You were the aggressor when you slammed on the brakes, you could have caused a multi-car accident.  

Watch your road rage.

Answer 2

When was the death penalty introduced for being a stupid selfish cow? And who made you the judge, jury and executioner?

I know she was wrong but when you frustrate these stress heads they get even more dangerous. She could end up really hurting someone else.

So, you felt justified but yes were wrong and not just for the bird. I think that I would have been tempted to do the same thing.  But we've all got to start counting to a million to cool down the aggro on the roads.

Answer 3

In my opinion, yes, you were.  The left lane is not for doing the posted speed limit. It is the fast lane.  You should pass the slow vehicle and then move over when it is safe to do so.  

I hate tailgaters also, but what would hitting your brakes really accomplish ?

Would you be happy when she had plowed into you ?

Would it be worth the aggravation of a trip to the hospital for back pain, which may never go away and a totalled car ?

Think about it.  That is what I do when someone upsets me.  Ask yourself if it really worth the trouble.  The answer is always no for me.

Not sure what state you live in, but in my area, people always travel faster than the posted speed limit in the left lane....

Answer 4

I hate tailgaters, too. I was hit by one and the injury triggered an asymptomatic malformation in my brain, resulting in 3 brain surgeries. Yes. I hate tailgating very much. However:  It was dangerous to jack your brakes and deliberately annoy the other driver. I understand why you'd want to, but she could have escalated this to something worse. Drivers pull guns, throw things, or just cause accidents over less. Try to keep your head for the safety of yourself and other drivers. As for flipping her off? It wasn't the right thing to do. BUT: I don't think I could have resisted doing the same.  

Answer 5

its called road rage and it could have caused a bad accident if she had have got madder than you for the way you were driving and ppl who had nothing between you two could have been killed chill out you cant change the way other ppl are but you can change your behavior it is the laws job to handle drivers not ppl who take the law in to thier on hand

Answer 6

This is not wrong at all, i do it all the time....it's what they get.  

Answer 7

Two wrongs don't make a right and especially not at 65mph........This woman needs to learn to slow down and be more courteous, but you also need to learn not to try to get revenge with your vehicle.......or your middle finger (that'll get ya shot where I come from)........

Answer 8

Nothing wrong with you flipping her off.  I do it all the time.  However in my opinion, she should have been the one to flip you off.  You should have got out of the left lane if you weren't driving fast enough.

If I was her, I would have been p*ssed!

Answer 9

You should have flipped her the bird with both hands...if you could've safely taken your other hand off the wheel.

I hate tailgaters...and I'm not using the word "hate" lightly.  HATE.  They're a menace.

The trick is to not risk your safety or anyone else's while dealing with them.  I've done the brake-slamming thing a couple of times, but it really doesn't have any effect on these knuckleheads...and really, you're risking your car and safety just to prove a point.  Sometimes I've glared at them in the rear view mirror and that has worked, especially if they're women.

But there's not a lot you can do without becoming one of them.  Keep f***************d (or wishing explosive diarrhea upon them, if it looks like they might have access to firearms).

Answer 10

Yes you were. That is a form of road rage and road rage is at an epidemic level in this country. This lady was all ready a very dangerous driver and what you did could have made her really rage and this could have caused a major accident with you and others getting hurt or killed. I know that some drivers are very dangerous,but the best thing you can do is drive very carefully around these people. Use your own defensive driving skills to help avoid a disaster. Good luck and good driving.

  Walter C.

Answer 11

Nope.  Drivers, as a whole, are a******s.  Flip on, my friend.  Flip on.

Answer 12

Harry, I assume you're talking about something that happened in America?  With this religious righteousness, and PC stuff, and legislated morality, nowadays, all you got left is the "bird"??  Carry on.  

Answer 13

Typically, I consider myself to be a considerate driver...

Normally, I would have done what you did... but this morning I cut someone off completely by accident.  I didn't see them at all.  I wasn't racing to beat anyone anywhere... but I was running late and this car was apparently speeding (as was I) and was in my blind spot.  Was I wrong?  Yes.  Did they deserve to give me a honk and flash their lights? Absolutely.  Could they have given me the bird?  Sure...

But once I realized what had transpired, I waved sheepishly in my rearview and we both continued on our way.  Accident avoided by one conscientious driver (not me obviously).  No harm, no foul I figure.

So did she deserve the bird?  Probably.  Did it really make you feel good to "give it to her"?  Probably not.

I just figure whatever energy you put out into the world you are likely to get back.  Unless you suspect a driver is drunk, I figure it is better to let them be psychotic and cut them a wide berth... They will likely do themselves in that way...

Answer 14

I would probably have done the same thing!