Graham Wright wrote:GJD wrote:Graham Wright wrote:I would like to discourage tail gaters
So would I, ideally, but I don't see much prospect of being able to achieve it. Why would you think they're interested in your opinion? I suspect it would be more productive and constructive to focus on how you will manage being tailgated when it happens.
It seems there are various reasons for tailgating.
1. Aggressive drivers
2. Bullies
3. Those who feel uncomfortable being "out of touch". Like horses in pony trecking - they need companionship.
I see no chance of discouraging those in class 1 or 2. However, I do feel from my experience that a hint that the followers separation is inadequate sometimes produces results.
In the past, I admit to touching the brakes (sufficient to light the lights) and that has worked every time. But now that I have joined the elite, I see the possible danger in that.
What elite? Oh, you mean me. That's OK then.
As for reasons for tailgating, I suspect some people do it simply because of a (possibly subconscious) feeling of urgency in their travels. They think they are going to get where they're going a bit earlier than they otherwise would; and they don't see any danger in the close following.
I normally have a fairly generous amount of space in front of me, and it seems as if those who catch me up, and initially follow closely, soon drop back as if they are copying what I'm doing. In this case that's good, because the tailgating ceases without me needing to do anything to counter it.