Why do so many people tailgate when driving?

Question

( you know, driving too close to another car) It is dangerous and annoying - plus if you are following to close and slam into the back of another car it is your fault and you have to pay. Isn't it nice to leave enough room so you don't kill your brakes every time traffic slows for one second or better yet have to swerve into the other lane to avoid collision? Don't you love to see people who tailgate getting tickets!

Answer 1

they tailgate to let you know to get the f outta the way or speed up i hate when a person drives too slow in the left lane and if they slam on the brakes so what i will just hit em thats what i have insurance for  

Answer 2

i have a friend who actually doesn't know that he's tailgating. he just does it unconsciously. and i guess he also doesn't know if he's being tailgated. hehehe.

Answer 3

They have absolutely no respect for life.  Apparently, not even their own.

Answer 4

Because they are ego maniacs.  They think they are more important than everyone else and that YOU are in THEIR way.  How dare you!

True, many people ride the left lane when they should not. (I love the ones who poke along while chatting on the phone) It is a passing lane only! If you're not passing you should not be there.  Many states even have laws stating this.

Regardless, riding on someones tail is not only discourteous but also very dangerous.  Even more annoying is when people won't respect the proper space between cars and insist on cutting in between putting everyone in a dangerous position if a sudden stop of slow down is necessary.

Answer 5

because they want to pass you. drive faster.

Answer 6

    being in germany iraq and kuwait you can see the different mentality of people which influences their driving style.. mostly based on upbringing and their culture.. americans tend to be busybodies and always in a rush to get somewhere. which is a major cause of tailgaiting... and yes its great to see them get tickets

Answer 7

They are just trying to scare you out of the lane.  I dont pay attention to them, the same way they want me to change lane, they can do it as well.......

Answer 8

the same reason people go too slow in the fast lane... they arent following the rules of the road....  being polite and moving over to allow others to pass is too difficult..especially when the cell phone is ringing....

Answer 9

These people are called the INTIMIDATORS. They honestly believe that they are doing no wrong and that you will speed up as a result of their actions. It is a criminal offence in Canada and you will be charged if your caught.

The thing is; they do it at the legal limit on most roadways. I personally drive over the speed linit ( A LOT ) and I've had these bozos parked under my rear bumper at speeds up to 75-80 MPH. I usually just pull over and let them go.

But I do it by the law. I carefully check my mirrors - do a shoulder check - turn on my signal - slow down to safe speed to pull onto the shoulder - and pull off the road. This usually takes a good 10-15 second to do "properly". And it is perfectly legal.