Primarly, for Mr McB, but anyone else feel free to comment/advise...
This may sound like a crazy question, but because you're now an ADI you seem an ideal person to ask. Something is driving me mad on the roads, and I'm struggling to find the best way of dealing with it.
Of course, I'm talking about tailgaiters.
It seems that everywhere I drive, someone is dangerously up my arse. It's been the case for so long, I'm even considering if I need to change my driving style, to try and avoid it.
I don't consider myself a nucience on the road. Although I don't take big risks, neither do I hang about with my driving, I always make my way up to the legal limit as quickly as I can, I never hog overtaking lanes on dual carraigeways, etc etc.
I passed my test first time, did my pass plus, and my instructor was full of confidence that I was a safe driver - something I try and uphold to this day.
Eg tonight, there was a lorry doing 65mph ish on a dual carraigeway. I decided to pass, so gave a mirror check, lifesaver glance over my shoulder, another mirror check and out I go to the other lane. Nothing was in sight behind me at all, at that point. As soon as I move over, some headlights appear behind me in the distance, and are on top of me before I can blink. Someone behind me, doing breakneck speed, would literally have pushed me off the road had I not taken quick evasive action. Yet.. I was doing 75mph..
On empty A roads .. when something wants to pass me.. (when I'm at the legal limit) .. WHY ON EARTH (!) does it have to come within 6 inches of my rear bumper before pulling out?? I'd only have to tap the brakes, and it would cause carnaige!
Especially when the people hurt could have families, etc, or even worse kids in the cars.. all for the sake of gaining miliseconds..
What's wrong with people
Firstly, I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that it's not me, or anything I'm doing it's the other, full of agression "wrist shakers" on the roads...
And secondly, I'm wondering if I can adjust my driving style to reduce the problem. I feel like a very safe and confident driver, but I must admit I don't feel quite so in control when something is behind me at 60mph so close that I can just see it's headlights...
When I've got the girlfriends little girl in the car, and people drive around us like this compromising her safety for no need, I could literally put them through their own windscreens :-/
Sad thing is, I've nearly given up driving on more than one occasion, for this reason...
