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Being tailgated (new driver)

166 replies

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:16

Recently passed and got a hatchback as that's all I need. I stick to the speed limit but I'm finding a lot of people don't (I'm told some people memorise where the speed cameras are?) But what I'm getting annoyed at is almost always having someone (men) in SUVs or vans driving about an inch away from me, seen a few shaking their head, throwing their hands up etc.
I let them overtake where possible, but obviously not always safe. Is this something I just have to put up with? Highly doubt they'd be doing it if I were male and in an SUV.

OP posts:
BMW58 · 08/07/2026 19:39

Put dashcams front and back with signs saying they are there.

Bet the fuckers pull back as soon as they clock the signs.

And I have absolutely no doubt that the cunts target women alone. Because they are cunts.

walkingmyway · 08/07/2026 19:38

Ignore and just leave a little more distance in front of you. If they crash into you, you then don’t hit the car in front and it’s not your problem, it’s theirs
I drive the same way to work every day, it’s a 40 zone and every day people are doing the hands up, wanker gesture, shaking their head before flying past me
they want to do 60, I don’t

Darragon · 08/07/2026 19:37

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:34

I might be paranoid but I'm convinced they target women in smaller cars..

That's because it's your only experience to draw from. I can assure you they also tailgate my Land Rover. I just don't care enough to give them the time of day.

Darragon · 08/07/2026 19:36

You need to learn to tune them out. This business of pulling over to let them pass means a) they've interfered with your day by making you stop for them and b) they've learned that the behaviour (tailgating) gets them what they want. Which makes them keep doing it.
Which adds to the entitlement and makes it more dangerous for everyone.

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:36

Anxioustealady · 08/07/2026 19:35

Do you have P plates on OP?

No, i was told I'd get 'bullied" if i put them on

OP posts:
Anxioustealady · 08/07/2026 19:35

Do you have P plates on OP?

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:34

I might be paranoid but I'm convinced they target women in smaller cars..

OP posts:
Dribblo · 08/07/2026 19:33

Yep, it is something that happens, and yes, you should ignore them. I’ll be honest, I don’t stick to speed limits religiously, but I don’t tailgate people who do.

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:32

Thank you. I may be more sensitive to it as I'm new, hopefully I'll get better at ignoring them

OP posts:
KatiePricesKnickers · 08/07/2026 19:29

Ignore them and drive at the speed you are comfortable at. The speed limit is the maximum speed, not the minimum.

PippaGoggins · 08/07/2026 19:29

Keep your eyes on the road ahead, don’t look behind you to see what people in cars behind are doing. If the people behind crash into you, it’s their responsibility. If you’re paying attention to drivers in cars behind you and crash into the car in front, in the best case scenario your insurance premium will go up. 30 in a 30 zone is totally reasonable.

ByRoseBiscuit · 08/07/2026 19:27

I had someone do this to me the other day, they then overtook me and nearly crashed into a bollard in the middle of the road, then they proceeded to do the same to the car in front. Unfortunately these men think they are so very important, and seem to enjoy having something to be angry about. I just completely ignore them and drive how I am comfortable.

AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:19

Dashcam is a very good idea!

OP posts:
AncientWasp · 08/07/2026 19:19

I should 😂 i could understand if i were going much slower but I'm doing 29/30 in a 30 zone for example. I was taught in lessons not to speed up until I've passed the speed sign e.g. 30 to 40, but I've seen many people speeding up well in advance.

OP posts:
daughterfromhell · 08/07/2026 19:18

Tailgaters are dicks. Sometimes I slow down loads to piss them off but I realise that probably enrages them more.

Pull over where you can, make as much room as possible and take reg numbers. Get a front and rear dash cam.

NewGoldFox · 08/07/2026 19:17

Squirt them with your windscreen wash 😂

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