What to Do When You’re Being Tailgated on Your Motorcycle

What to Do When You’re Being Tailgated on Your Motorcycle

So, you’re cruising on your motorcycle, wind in your hair, the open road ahead, and then—bam—a car pulls right up on your tail. Sound familiar? This scenario can be not just annoying but terrifying. Tailgating can feel like a pressure cooker, especially when you’re on two wheels. You’ll want to know how to handle this situation safely and effectively.

The Best Move? Change Lanes

Here’s the thing: when you find yourself being tailgated, the best thing you can do is change lanes to let the tailgater pass. This response isn't just for your peace of mind; it's about safety.

Imagine you're in a situation where you’ve got a car zipping too close for comfort behind you. By changing lanes, you're essentially increasing the distance between you and that vehicle. Why does this matter? Less distance means less risk of collision. It’s like creating a buffer zone—your own safety bubble! And in moments like these, every inch counts.

But what if you maintain your speed, thinking it might teach the tailgater a lesson? That’s a risky game to play. If the car rides you too closely, and suddenly you need to brake for any reason, guess what? That could lead to a nasty rear-end collision!

Sudden Braking's Never a Good Idea

Now you might think, "Well, I’ll just brake suddenly to let them know they’re too close!" Please, don't. That's asking for trouble. Sudden braking might make them panic, or worse, cause them to smash right into you. Honestly, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a high-stress situation like that.

The Danger of Speeding Up

On the flip side, what if you decide to speed up to create distance? Sounds reasonable, right? The tricky part is that speeding can lead to a loss of control or even a traffic violation. Plus, is it really worth pushing the limits for an impatient driver? Better to keep your cool, let them zoom by, and keep your ride as safe as possible.

Embracing the Calm

Changing lanes does more than just avoid the tailgater's impatience; it also helps you keep calm. Picture this: you’re already feeling stress from the tailgating, and then, the pressure just builds as the driver behind you inches closer. By simply shifting to another lane, you defuse the situation, and maybe even smile about it afterward. Safe riding is all about staying chill and not letting others dictate your ride.

Stay Alert and Aware

Remember, riding a motorcycle means being aware of your surroundings constantly. While you focus on what’s in front of you, keep an eye on those vehicles behind you too. Tailgaters are often aggressive and might change lanes aggressively too. Having a plan in mind can help you stay focused and calm.

So next time you’re feeling that familiar panic as someone rides too close, just remember: stay calm, change lanes, and let them pass. It’s a simple action that can vastly improve your riding experience! And, you know what? You’ll have a safer ride ahead.

Practice Makes Perfect

Although we’ve focused here on responding to tailgating, practice what you know in more relaxed scenarios too. Join group rides or take advanced riding courses in Ontario. The more you ride, the more confident you’ll become. This practice is vital, not just for tackling aggressive drivers but also for mastering your skills on the bike.

As you gear up for that Ontario M1 motorcycle license, remember these tips. Preparing for the unexpected is part of becoming a responsible rider. Happy riding—stay safe out there!