Should You Speed Up if Someone Is Tailgating You?

Driving at a safe and responsible speed is crucial, especially when someone is tailgating you. This article will provide guidance on how to handle the situation, as well as the legal considerations and best practices in different driving conditions.

What to Do When Someone Tailgates You

When a driver is tailgating you, it's important to increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This ensures that if the driver in front stops suddenly, you won't have to brake abruptly. While this may require you to slow down slightly, it's a safer approach:

Decrease your speed gently to create a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front. This reduces the risk of a rear-end collision if the driver behind you decides to brake suddenly. For pickup drivers, many of whom are often aggressive when tailgating, consider pulling over into the rightmost lane. If the driver persists and maintains a similar speed, gradually reduce your speed to encourage them to pass. If the driver continues to follow closely, call 911 using your cell phone and follow the instructions of the authorities. Calling for assistance is a good way to ensure your safety on the road.

Legal Considerations: Minnesota's Updated Law

As of August 1, 2019, Minnesota updated its law regarding lane usage. The updated law states that whenever practicable, drivers need to move out of the left lane so that other vehicles can pass. This means:

Whenever you need to pass, do so in the left lane, but move back into the right lane as soon as possible. If you're driving on a highway with two or more lanes in each direction, move to the right lane to keep the passing lane clear, regardless of the posted speed.

This law is designed to improve traffic flow and ensure safe driving practices. However, it's important to be aware of the road conditions and drive accordingly.

Inclement Weather and Highway Driving

Conditions such as rain, snow, and ice can significantly affect driving safety. In these conditions, it's often necessary to drive slower than the posted speed to ensure safety:

During rainy weather, it may be unsafe to drive at the posted speed, and during snowy or icy conditions, it's nearly always unsafe to drive at the posted speed. Drive at a speed that is appropriate for the current conditions. Even in good weather, if the road is winding, particularly on two-lane highways, driving at the posted speed may be unsafe, especially for vehicles like campervans, caravans, or lorries.

For instance, when driving coaches on California's Pacific Coast Highway, which is particularly winding, it's necessary to drive slower than the posted speed to handle the vehicle's different behavior. Good professional drivers use turn-outs or passing lanes to let faster traffic pass, and do not speed up after moving to the right lane.

Conclusion

Proper handling of tailgaters and compliance with the local driving laws, such as Minnesota's updated lane usage law, can significantly improve road safety. Additionally, in inclement weather, adjusting your speed to match the road conditions is a responsible driving practice. Whether you're in Minnesota or another region, adhering to these guidelines will help keep you and other drivers safer on the road.