Dealing with tailgaters and rubberneckers

The recent multiple collision at the North Luzon Expressway was not the first—and will surely not be the last—road accident of this kind if we continue to practice these two habits while driving on highways: tailgaiting and being nosy (usisero) whenever we pass by road accidents.

Tailgating is following a vehicle too closely, an aggressive driving behavior that is easily mistaken for road rage.

On the other hand, being a rubbernecker usisero is slowing down to look at an accident on the side of the road, and consequently taking our eyes and mental focus away from what is ahead of us.

This often leads to second and even third accidents, and/or multivehicle pileups, as a result of several people being too nosy.

Indeed, not respecting the proper distance—the safety margin or empty road between you and the vehicle in front—is an accident waiting to happen.

Likewise, if we continue to be nosy, we not only unnecessarily slow down traffic flow but may start another road accident.

If you are the designated driver this Holy Week, try to reflect on these pointers so we will all get to our destination safely.

• Use the three-second rule to avoid tailgating. It’s just too dangerous to defy this rule because you have to consider these factors: whether your tires are properly inflated and are specifically rated to provide short braking distance; whether your reflexes are superb; whether the speed of the vehicle in front of you remains constant and will not suddenly hit the brakes; and whether the road condition is just right (smooth and dry with no debris as against wet and slippery).

• If someone is tailgating you, do not tap your brakes to signal a tailgater to back off. Also, don’t brake hard to “teach them a lesson” as this will only end up causing an accident, which is worse for everybody.

Experts say that if you were to brake suddenly, the tailgater may not realize your intention and could not actually stop in time to avoid running into you.

• Do not view the tailgater as an “adversary,” or “ignorant driver who needs taught a lesson.” Avoid the urge to be a vigilante as this not the place to teach lessons, and the tailgater will not learn anything by being further frustrated.

Just concentrate on defusing the situation. Let the authorities handle the enforcement of laws.

• If at all possible, move to another lane and allow the tailgater to pass safely. Normally a tailgater just wants to drive faster so they will pass and leave you alone. If people want to pass you, move out of the high speed (passing) lanes.

• On a winding road, do not drastically speed up at passing lanes so that others cannot pass.

Many drivers go slowly and cautiously around curves and then get on a straightaway and feel that they have the space or visibility to dart ahead. Have the patience to let others past.

• Remain calm! Losing your cool means losing control, and losing control of your vehicle is the last thing you want to do.

Take a few deep breaths to keep you more relaxed and sane during tense situations.

• Remember, it is always better to drive defensively, allow yourself enough time for the journey and arrive alive, maybe a bit late, than to not arrive at all.

• Whenever you detect road accidents ahead, keep your eyes and your mind focused on getting safely to your destination. Pay more attention to what’s in front rather than the road accident.

• If you see an accident on the side of the road, be aware of it, move to the farthest lane to avoid any further possible collisions with first responders or accident victims who may be standing or walking by the side of the road and perhaps not as aware of you as you need to be of them (you have to realize that some of the accident victims may have been jarred in the head and may be dazed or distracted as a result).