Tailgaiting & Road Rage, consequences for your actions?

Mitchel on 07/04/2017 - 11:26

I have a question for the people who tailgate, why do you do it?

This morning I saw someone tailgating another car, when the tailgater got in front of the car previously behind, the driver of the car behind got out and clocked the hoon a few good ones. Quite entertaining to see this.

What are the community's thoughts on this?
Tailgating is not maintaining a safe stopping distance / driving in a menacing fashion.
Clocking a hoon is Assault.

Why do people do these things without thinking of the possible consequences? Please, help me understand.

Automotive

Comments

    • jaimex2 on 07/04/2017 - 21:37

      Yup, joke will be on the assaulter if he presses charges regardless of the tailgating.

      • Mitchel on 08/04/2017 - 11:14
        +2

        The tailgater got out of his car and escalated the situation.

        The guy who was being tailgater took him down. I'm sure the hoon had a rude shock to discover he wasn't indestructible.

        Cowering like a pansy, too funny.

        • secondstory on 08/04/2017 - 14:08

          Escalated as in verbally or physically? I can see how it would make someone very angry but it's still not a decent reason to initiate an attack someone no matter how mad.

        • Mitchel on 08/04/2017 - 17:39
          +1

          @Myrtacaea:
          Dunno, I was in my car with an audio book.

          To my mind, if someone comes up to the window of my car screaming at me. I would (safely) drive off rather than get out.

          My opinion here, hoon thought he was indestructible and got out, only to discover that he wasn't.

        • jaimex2 on 09/04/2017 - 01:13
          -1

          Doesn't really change the outcome of the court case.

        • Kangal on 09/04/2017 - 08:42
          +2

          @jaimex2:
          Self-defence?

  • AliensStoleMyMoney on 07/04/2017 - 12:57
    +2

    Learner here

    today was doing a u turn on a allowed traffic light . had to wait for a truck to pass the guy behind me kept creeping up and honking then eventually and hit my towbar and damaged his front (my cars fine to my dissapointment wouldve liked a new car)

    is there a legal way to deal with these idiots ? no
    smart way ? get a towbar and let the (profanity) hit you free car :D

    • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 13:18
      +1

      That driver sounds like a total bellend, hopefully your towbar did a number on his radiator.

      • AliensStoleMyMoney on 07/04/2017 - 16:32
        +2

        nah he was driving off but he drives a bmw so he will get a massive repair bill xD

        • smartazz104 on 09/04/2017 - 18:10

          But I thought only bogans tailgated, surely no bogan would be driving a BMW /s

        • AliensStoleMyMoney on 09/04/2017 - 18:26

          @gokhanh:

          no all kinds of idiots in this country do it youd think some one with a more expensive car would be more careful not to ding it

        • secondstory on 10/04/2017 - 13:43

          @gokhanh:

          Then it must have been a stolen vehicle and he was trying to make a getaway.

    • kyle on 07/04/2017 - 13:58
      +2

      Thought it's illegal to have the towbar if not in use?

      • AliensStoleMyMoney on 07/04/2017 - 16:31
        +1

        didnt know this

      • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 16:35

        Could be wrong but I don't think so, while most newer vehicles have removable box-type hitches it's a lot more difficult to remove the hitch on an older towbar where it's bolted in place.

      • teasatotalling on 08/04/2017 - 08:42

        Can't be. It's bolted to the chassis

    • Mitchel on 08/04/2017 - 11:15
      +1

      I always give Learners a go and never race around them. Plenty of indestructible goons who think they should do otherwise.

      • AliensStoleMyMoney on 08/04/2017 - 12:03

        id say imma be doing a drive to brinkworth and we are limited to 100 km/s as a learner so i know imma get some shithead bugging me

    • secondstory on 08/04/2017 - 14:12

      Not that I recommend but I heard if you somehow inched forward and let something/someone scrape your front and then blamed them on bumping you forward I think they get blamed for and have to cover everything.

      • AliensStoleMyMoney on 08/04/2017 - 15:10
        +1

        yeah i didnt have to pay squat makes sense u rear end him its your fault (i have a dashcam that also does the back :)

  • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 13:26

    I've found that commuting on a motorcycle really does seem to be a good way to avoid road rage.

    While I do have 'moments' fairly regularly where someone does the wrong thing and puts me in danger, it's easier just to twist the wrist and forget about them than to stop and make it into a thing - because there'll be another one waiting at the next set of lights.

    • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:19
      +1

      Tell me that if you're ever involved in an accident and spent months recovering. I understand the draw and thrill of a bike but I'd never buy one having seen and heard about what others have gone through.

      • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 15:43

        Maybe, but it makes more sense to me to concern myself with what actually is happening to me and not what might happen to me under certain circumstances. Life's too short to live in fear ;)

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:44
          +1

          There's a huge difference between living in fear and risk management. Everyone needs to decide for themselves what risk is acceptable.

        • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 16:08

          Not always, you'd be surprised how often people get the 2 mixed up :)

          In this context I'd consider risk management to be the act of buying good quality riding gear, not missing out on the experience altogether.

    • Miss B on 07/04/2017 - 22:14
      +1

      I once saw some idiot tailgating a motorcycle that was sitting in the left hand lane on a 3 lane highway. They were doing about 10 under the speed limit, but the road was pretty quiet, plenty of room to pass. The only thing I can think is they must have done something to piss them off. But it doesn't get much stupider than that. I sat behind them and leaned on the horn until they sped off. Wasn't particularly interested in watching anyone die.

  • dogboy on 07/04/2017 - 14:11
    +4

    Similar to the smokey vehicles website, there should be a shitty drivers website where you can report crap drivers. Once they get a few listings, they have to come in for another driving test or lose their license. Would help improve road manners.

    • Cheap Charlie on 07/04/2017 - 15:55
      +2

      DashCams Aus is perhaps the closest such thing at present.

  • supnigs super skids on 07/04/2017 - 14:19

    Glock. Barely happens here

  • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:03
    -4

    If someone is going too slow then I will "tailgate" (not truly tailgate, but get somewhat close) in the hope that they get the message. If they don't, then I blast the horn. The reason for not resorting to the horn as a first choice is because, from experience, if they're one of "those" drivers that sit ridiculously under the speed limit, then they crap themselves and slam the brakes if they hear a horn.

    All statistics show that people going under the speed limit are the greater cause of road traffic incidents, since they elicit lane changes in other drivers and dramatic speed differentials which are the two biggest factors. The worst situation is someone travelling 10-20km/h under the speed limit, with 20 car lengths clear in front of them, and it's impossible to change lanes since the nearby lane is going the speed limit, thus you need a massive window in order to change and accelerate safely.

    • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:20
      +2

      Tailgating is illegal. Blasting your horn is illegal. The studies show tailgating to be a much bigger problem than driving under the limit, particularly where the conditions require it. Scaring the crap out of a driver who isn't confident or is disoriented with your horn is also a real danger and distraction. If you can't obey the laws, get the hell off the road.

      • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:31
        +1

        if you can't obey the laws, get the hell off the road

        People driving significantly under the limit are breaking the laws. I am merely trying to follow the speed limit.

        My 'illegal' activity is entirely dependent on their presence; without them, I would be free to travel at the speed limit and obey all road laws. Conversely, they are breaking the law, irrespective of my tailgating, horn blasting, or presence altogether.

        Ergo, they are the root cause.

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:36
          +2

          You are not "merely trying to follow the speed limit".

          Their activity, legal or not, doesn't excuse your illegal activity. You don't only have to obey the law if others do. "Your honour they broke the law first!" is not a defense. You are not the police, and even the police must obey the law. If you want to write down their license plate or take dash cam footage and provide it to the police, go ahead. But don't tell me it's cool for you to do the wrong thing because "they did it first".

          You and the people in the other cars affected will be just as maimed or killed no matter who was at fault. And you are contributing to the risk even more than they are.

          Get a clue or get off the road. Seriously. People like you who refuse to take responsibility for their actions and decisions are in the most dangerous class of bad drivers. You think you're a good driver but your attitude is likely to kill people.

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:39

          In what way am I not trying to follow the speed limit?

          Driving 80 km/h in 80 zone
          Car in front deriving at 60 km/h in 80 zone
          I must slow down to 60 km/h to avoid a collision
          Without them in the way, I can drive 80 km/h

          This is extremely basic.

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:46

          @Strahany:

          https://www.mynrma.com.au/blog/2016/01/11/the-dangers-of-tai…
          "Tailgating is a key factor to the most serious common crashes crashes on our roads. "

          If you can't grasp that then GET OFF THE ROAD.

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:52

          @syousef:

          Tailgating over long distances is a contributing factor because if the person in front slams the brakes then the human reaction time is not fast enough to avoid the collision.

          But allow me to point something out which you clearly missed:

          1) I said I don't tailgate in the dictionary definition sense. I push closer to signal that they should move across to the appropriate lane
          2) Furthermore, I do this only for a few seconds, until backing off

          It helps to read what someone writes before getting worked up about it. Either that, or you're building a straw man argument purely in an attempt to justify your anger.

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:53

          @Strahany:

          You're really testing my patience. Do you want an award for only intentionally breaking the law and risking lives for a few seconds, before breaking the law a second time using your horn? Then trying to justify it because "he did it first!"???

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:55

          @syousef:

          If you're offering, it would be rude not to take it

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:57

          @Strahany:

          Ok you're clearly taking the mickey. That's fine. Just have a think about what you're saying before you kill someone mate. Really not worth it. You're not going to change the other drivers' behaviour. You can change your own.

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 16:01

          @syousef:

          "You can change your own"

          As can people selfishly blocking the flow of traffic because they meander about their day.

          Neither party is in the right. However, if I have somewhere to get to, then I will get there. Perhaps somewhat ironically, to you, would be the fact that the place I'm going is to help people, including those who may have been victim of RTA's.

        • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 16:21
          +2

          @Strahany:

          1) I said I don't tailgate in the dictionary definition sense. I push closer to signal that they should move across to the appropriate lane

          The Oxford definition for what you've described here is 'intimidation'

          2) Furthermore, I do this only for a few seconds, until backing off

          Ok, intermittent tailgaiting then?

          :D

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 16:27
          +1

          @Gronk:

          Intermittent is a fair description.

          My purpose isn't to intimidate, for what it's worth. Many people who drive slow are daydreaming when driving and don't notice that they're blocking traffic. I just aim to pop up in their rear view mirror so that they notice this and correct it. If not, I go around.

          Is it 100% safe? No, because if they brake in that moment then I could be in trouble, despite the fact that I'm on high alert when I do it. Having said that, driving in general isn't 100% safe, and this option is often safer than trying to get around them. If the next lane is free, I just take it straight away.

          I don't enjoy doing it at all. If I need to get somewhere, then I need to get somewhere. I go about it the safest way possible which, when you're hurtling down a road in a 2 tonne metal capsule, is never 100% safe, no matter what.

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 17:06

          @Strahany:

          I tried. The only way you're likely to change your mind is if you have to deal with the fallout of an accident.

          You do not "go about it in the safest way possible". Tailgating isn't the safest way. You absolutely refuse to take responsibility for your actions.

          I bet you also justify speeding "just a little" over the limit. Either way I hope you're caught.

        • Gronk on 07/04/2017 - 17:21
          +2

          @Strahany:

          I only responded to your previous to be a bit tongue in cheek, but there's actually a couple of points which really stand out to me in your response -

          Having said that, driving in general isn't 100% safe, and this option is often

          Well, no it isn't, but piling unsafe behaviour into a scenario where there's arguably plenty already isn't going to make things any safer.

          If I need to get somewhere, then I need to get somewhere.

          This is the bit that really stood out, because unless you're talking about rushing a critically ill person to hospital there is no such thing as need in this situation, just want. Once that's sunk in you really start to see how selfish people are when dealing with one another on the road.

        • GregMonarch on 07/04/2017 - 23:05
          +1

          @Strahany: Their car might have a positive speedo error. Yours might have a negative one. There could be one a dozen reasons why they're going slower than you prefer. I've had fools blasting their horn for me not doing 80km/h, when I'm about to turn the next corner.

          The point is, leave policing to the police, stop trying to shave 30 seconds off your trip and just wait for the next overtaking lane.

        • skullster704 on 08/04/2017 - 12:47

          @Strahany:
          Your major error here is in assuming that they even look in their rear view mirror.

          My experience of driving in all of the mainland states and territories since arriving from the UK is that most don't bother checking either rear view or side mirrors before maneuvering, let alone once in a lane.

          I mainly put the lack of situational awareness down to most cars having a "go" pedal and a "stop" pedal, totally removing the need to anticipate that is implicit in a car with a clutch and manual gearbox.

        • iDroid on 10/04/2017 - 13:24

          @syousef:

          So let's fix the cause of that problem.

          Ask yourself - why is that person tailgating? Was that situation avoidable?

          I'd say it's most likely that someone is being inconsiderate and the tailgater is becoming frustrated at the lack of consideration afforded to them.

          What's easier? Treat the symptom (tailgaters) or the cause (inconsiderate drivers). I know which would be effective and make the roads safer AND better for all.

          But let's not step on those self righteous inconsiderate knobs who don't give a hoot about others, because their sanctimony is more important than being considerate.

          No.

        • syousef on 10/04/2017 - 15:28

          @iDroid:

          Get all the drivers who can't get on the road without getting "frustrated" off the road. If you can't drive without sitting on someones backside because they're slow YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. It is a hell of a lot less considerate to risk someone's life because you're upset they're delaying you by a few minutes than it is to delay someone in the first place.

          The attitudes on display here are deeply disturbing.

        • iDroid on 11/04/2017 - 10:36

          @syousef:

          What nonsense.

          The rules of the roads are designed to make them work. When people ignore those rules things fall apart, the system stops working.

          Drive in a country where people do drive with consideration and see the difference. Accident rates are much lower, travel times are less, things just work.

          Your saying that it's ok for some drivers to be inconsiderate because the their behaviour does not (in your opinion) yield as dangerous a situation as those who become frustrated by said behaviour. This is utter nonsense.

          The road is far more dangerous due to this behaviour - anyone wanting to pass (even on multi-lane roads) now needs pass on "some random side" of said driver. THIS is a terrible situation, now no one has any idea of which cars are going where, cars end up changing lanes into each other, etc. It simply breaks the system, it was not designed to work this way their inconsideration to obey the simple rule of keeping left makes every situation for every driver more dangerous tailgaters or not.

          The way you describe the "problem" is that you think that "tailgaters" are the problem. Let's take them out of the equation and we still have a problem.

          So let's pretend that there are no tailgaters, the concept does not exist. Now do you still condone the inconsiderate behaviour of drivers who refuse to keep left, refuse to be considerate of others, insist on accelerating slower than a road-train in the right hand lane?

          I'm sorry, but the cause is the inconsiderate drivers, even if tailgating is a more sinister behaviour, the inconsiderate drivers are still the cause and they will still be creating "the problem" even if tailgating ceased to exist.

          The only "deeply disturbing attitude" I see here is that anyone could think there is justification to be inconsiderate to anyone else in any situation. This is a root cause issue, the symptoms of the problems vanish when the cause is addressed.

          So don't be a sanctimonious douche, those inconsiderate drivers are not the victim of any ill feelings towards them. They are the cause, and until that's addressed there will always be drivers getting frustrated and then you have a double whammy of danger - a poor driver breaking the road system as designed and a frustrated driver taking risks they would not have otherwise. But it's not fair to lay the blame on the frustrated driver, they are not the cause of the problem (where problem is the safety of all on the roads) they are part of the problem, which was caused by some self righteous inconsiderate arse breaking the system to begin with.

          It's just plain rude, there's no way you'll ever convince me that it's ok for these drivers to be as rude as they are. I have little to no time at all for rude people, they'll get my attitude every time, too much "everyone for them selves" attitude these days, and I'm not playing that game.

        • syousef on 11/04/2017 - 13:24
          -1

          @iDroid:

          That's right. The rules of the road are designed to make them work and every breach of those rules has the potential to see them fall apart. Road rage, speeding, tailgating and using your horn inappropriately are all against those rules. If someone else is breaking the rules and you break some more, you're not helping the road work as it should - you are in fact contributing to the breakdown.

          You absolutely point blank refuse to take responsibility for your own actions. Tailgating is not "caused" by slow drivers in the right lane. The tailgater still has to choose to tailgate. He could just as easily choose to hang back until there is a safe opportunity to overtake. Are you the sort of fool that gets upset at a pub and starts a brawl then accuses the other guy of starting it because he looked at you funny? No one can MAKE you or CAUSE you to do anything just by upsetting you or behaving in a way you don't like.

        • iDroid on 11/04/2017 - 14:43

          @syousef:

          you are in fact contributing to the breakdown.

          Sorry, I don't agree. Those who stand by and accept this behaviour are contributing to it's breakdown far more than those who have an interest in fixing the problem. If you're going to claim that tooting my horn at someone who's being inconsiderate is going to cause the same breakdown of the road systems as those who are being inconsiderate then you're not seeing things very clearly.

          You absolutely point blank refuse to take responsibility for your own actions.

          Please stop assuming what my actions are, you're jumping to conclusions and persist in making this a personal attack.

          Tailgating is not "caused" by slow drivers in the right lane

          Correct, the frustration of the driver doing the tailgating is what's caused by the inconsiderate drivers. But still note, the root of the issue is the inconsiderate drivers. As noted before, if we remove all tailgaters then we still have a problem of the danger caused by divers being inconsiderate - and that before we go and start considering things like the ability for emergency vehicles to move through traffic, cars being forced to pass on the left hand side, etc, etc.

          Stop making out that the only issue from inconsiderate divers is the drivers who get frustrated. The act of not keeping left is already causing far more danger than necessary.

          Treating one symptom only fixes the one symptom. Fix the cause and you fix all the symptoms.

          He could just as easily choose to hang back until there is a safe opportunity to overtake

          On the wrong side of the road, which again is a dangerous manoeuvre.

          Are you the sort of fool that gets upset at a pub and starts a brawl then accuses the other guy of starting it because he looked at you funny?

          Ha, yeah… No.. I'm the type of guy who's polite and considerate of others. I'm the type of guy that will stand up for someone being bullied. I'm the type of guy that thinks it's important to behave civilly and consider the intent of an individual and not necessarily their behaviour. I absolutely hate people being inconsiderate to others because that effects us all and it's not acceptable behaviour in any circumstances.

          So.. No…

          No one can MAKE you or CAUSE you to do anything just by upsetting you or behaving in a way you don't like.

          You seem to be having some comprehension issues. I've stated a number of times that it is "the frustration" of other drivers that is caused by inconsiderate drivers. Tailgating is one of the symptom of someone becoming frustrated (even while being a conscious decision). There are many other symptoms too, let's not ignore these either.

        • syousef on 11/04/2017 - 21:00
          -1

          @iDroid:

          Excuse after excuse and delusion after delusion. Your issue is a simple lack of self control. You aren't fixing the world. You're breaking it further, and in such a way you might kill someone.

          It is YOU that seem to be having comprehension issues. YOU are responsible for your frustration or lack thereof. YOU choose to respond that way. Not anyone else. No one can make you feel anything. Take some responsibility!!!

          Tailgating isn't a symptom of anything. It's a conscious choice by fools who don't know the value of a life.

          Oh and btw it's perfectly legal to pass someone, even on single lane in each direction. It's only a dangerous maneuver if you have no patience and pass when it isn't safe.

        • iDroid on 12/04/2017 - 10:58

          @syousef: Oh I give up, you're hell bent on conflating the discussion of what causes tailgating with me tailgating. Why? What's your point? No meaningful discussion can happen if all you reply back with is some retort to what you think I do.

          You speak about my lack of self control - this discussion is about the what and why. What you think I do is not overly relevant and is very presumptuous.

          But keep on your mission, maybe it's leading somewhere.

        • syousef on 12/04/2017 - 15:16
          -1

          @iDroid:

          You don't get to claim other people make you (or others) behave dangerously. It just isn't true. You control that.without personal responsibility the roads are deadly.

        • iDroid on 13/04/2017 - 11:22

          @syousef: How many times must I agree with that statement before you'll stop saying it?

          Some drivers drive dangerously when frustrated - (including tailgating) that's a fact.

          Some drivers do cause frustration for other drivers - that's a fact.

          Some drivers don't drive dangerously when frustrated - that's a fact.

          Some drivers don't get frustrated by other drivers - that's a fact.

          But none of those facts changes the simple truth - drivers who act with inconsideration and refuse to follow the simple rules like "keeping as left as practical at all times" make our roads an absolute nightmare in terms of safety and efficiency. For no reason other than their own self righteousness or perhaps in some cases incompetence (neither have a place on the road).

          Now, let's look at just some of the situations that are complicated and made more dangerous when a driver decides to sit in the right hand lanes blocking traffic. I won't go into the details for each as it'll be a 5000 page manuscript.

          • Passing on the wrong side (undertaking)
          • Merging traffic - chaos
          • Traffic flow - more congestion, leading to more accidents
          • Emergency vehicle restriction in movement.
          • Frustrating other drivers (this will happen as much as you don't like it)
          • Vehicles changing lanes into each other due to passing on wrong side. A child was killed about 1km from my house last year while standing on the median strip crossing the road due to this exact issue.
          • Passing through from the left lane to a turning lane (right hand). When right hand lane slow drivers block the right lane, traffic needing to get from their correct left lane to a turning lane on the right can be a very challenging scenario.

          All of these contribute to the unpredictable nature of our roads. The system is designed to add some level of predictability. This helps drivers plan and anticipate what to do and what's going to happen. When this is broken anything can happen; no one know which cars are about to change lanes (and please use your damn indicators before you start turning/moving! sorry, digressed there) as well as any number of unpredictable scenarios (I won't bore you with attempting to go through them all).

          So let me be clear again - I am not claiming that anyone else causes tailgating. But I am claiming that the largest system breakdown and problem I see every day on our roads is the lack of consideration of other drivers or the simple rules that make the system work. Most notable is the inability to pick the correct lane for their driving habits and the lack of indication before the act of turning/stopping/etc. Both of these stem from the lack of consideration of others or the road rules.

          How all the symptoms of this play out (whether that be tailgating, slow driving, poor traffic flow, merging accidents, lane changing collisions, etc) it totally irrelevant IMO, all are solved by addressing the real problem. I'm discussing how to address all of those problems, not just tailgating.

          Trying to address a problem by addressing a symptom is unlikely to succeed.

    • ElevenoutofTen on 07/04/2017 - 15:31
      +1

      Its called a speed 'LIMIT'.

      You are suppose to drive under the speed limit. I'ts the law.
      If people are unable to change lanes safely then they need to learn how to drive properly.

      I really don't understand the road culture here in Australia, we all end up at a same set of lights anyway. If you speed , you save what, a couple of minutes??

      Perhaps you are just another one of those impatient self entitled road users who think its okay to endanger other peoples lives.

      Good on ya mate!

      • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:34
        +2

        As I said above, driving too far under the speed limit is also breaking the law. Speed limit is a misnomer, such that it implies there is no speed floor.

        As for "we all end up at a same set of lights anyway"; that is objectively false. Traffic lights are highly regulated, based on letting a certain flow of traffic through, which is calculated according to how many cars they expect to pass through at XX km/h. When you travel at this dangerously low speed, you break this flow and miss lights, thereby forcing everyone behind you to miss lights.

        • psyren89 on 07/04/2017 - 15:39

          In WA, there is only a minimum speed on freeways.
          https://www.police.wa.gov.au/FAQ?faq=Is-there-a-minimum-spee…

          Other roads do not have such a constraint.

        • syousef on 07/04/2017 - 15:39

          Stop trying to excuse your terrible and irresponsible driving.

          Driving in the right hand lane when not overtaking is against the law if the speed limit is over 80. People doing that does not excuse you from obeying the law.

        • ElevenoutofTen on 07/04/2017 - 15:43
          +1

          in a 60km zone, what speed is too far under the speed limit to you?

          Yes traffic lights are regulated, but say you speed up and save 10 seconds, but hit a traffic light up ahead where you sit there for 20 seconds….can you see how you actually didn't save any time by speeding up? that's my point.

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:46

          In the not too distant future, when cars are autonomously driven, they will be driven to perfection. They will be driving 80 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. In a perfect system, this is what occurs; not driving significantly under the speed limit.

          Someone that changes lanes from behind a slow driver, they do two things:

          1) Signal to drivers behind them that this lane is moving slowly, thus they should also change lanes if they wish to avoid banking traffic
          and
          2) Moving to the vacant road space ahead, which also prevents banking of traffic

          Banking of traffic is a significant cause of poor decision making and collisions, for what its worth.

          ****Of course, there are exceptions, such as heavy load carrying vehicles, such as work vans or trucks, which require this open space for proper braking.

        • Strahany on 07/04/2017 - 15:48

          @BackDoorBoss

          I can't speak for everyone, but for me, my rule of thumb is about 15+km/h in dry conditions for a normal passenger vehicle. Obviously wet weather and heavy load bearing vehicles require greater safety precautions.

        • GregMonarch on 07/04/2017 - 23:15

          @Strahany: Self-driving cars will never happen. At least not unless they first take (STEAL) all private cars, and own all the self-driving ones only temporarily renting them to us.

          Why? Because car owners still choose what tyres, brake pads, etc. the car has. Things that dictate the ability of the car to stop, and within a certain speed. This becomes a '6th-sense' to a person - many of us can 'feel' when a car is going to lose traction on a wet road, etc.

          Even if they 'perfect' this, I will never own, nor even sit inside someone else's self-driving car. Too much can go wrong and no-one to take responsibility for.

          Now I bet someone will treat us to stats and studies showing self-driving cars are safer (which aren't at all biased although funded by those who want self-driving cars), lol.

        • skullster704 on 08/04/2017 - 12:54

          @GregMonarch:
          What's the big deal with self-driving cars? Most commercial airplanes are self flying (autopilot), and many are self-landing (autoland).

          Basically the pilots are there incase the proverbial hits the fan, and for the same reason there will be a person onboard the self-drive car.

        • GregMonarch on 08/04/2017 - 17:20

          @skullster704: So easily hacked for one.

        • iDroid on 10/04/2017 - 13:30

          @BackDoorBoss: Conveniently ignored that you may get through said lights and be 3 mins better off? Poor example and poor counter example by myself. Putting reason to "WHY" someone wants to go faster than you is pointless. The "why" is of no concern.

          If I'm standing in the way of someone in a isle shopping I do not think "Why does this person want to pass? Is their reason justifiable in my book" etc, I simply think "Person wants to pass. I'm in the way. I'll move and let them".. Why? It's the correct thing to do.

          Why does this logic suddenly vanish when driving? It should not.

      • jaimex2 on 07/04/2017 - 21:46

        Its also against the law to drive 20 km below the limit, its a 2 demerit point offence.

        Lookup 'Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians' in your states road rule book.

    • smartazz104 on 09/04/2017 - 18:11

      I find it hard to believe you would find yourself in a situation where a) a car is doing 20 under, b) said car has 20 car lengths clear in front of them and c) the left lane is congested.

  • Mumbles on 07/04/2017 - 15:44
    +3

    Why do people do these things without thinking of the possible consequences? Please, help me understand.

    This fits the description of young people. I often get tail gated by P plater's and tradies.

    I try not to read too much into the motives of other bad drivers otherwise I'd go insane.
    Why do many distracted mothers endanger their family by driving while yelling at their kids? I've had to activate my ABS brakes a number of times at roundabouts because a mother has failed to give way.
    Why do so many dangerous old people still drive when they have dangerous vision and/or loss of consciousness? We had a parked SUV written off by a 90 year old granny that lost consciousness behind a Toyota Corolla.

    Instead of complaining about the things I cannot control I take action on the things that are within my control. I check my mirrors regularly watching for faster drivers. When I spot a faster driver I do my best to improve their safety by helping them to overtake me safely.

    I can't understand the rationale of slow drivers who intentionally hold up other drivers. If you sincerely believe the other driver is an accident waiting to happen then why not let them be on their way and get as far away from your car?

  • Euphemistic on 07/04/2017 - 16:04
    +3

    All parties in this situation need to take some chill pills. Tailgater needs to back off, Assaulter needs to get over it.

  • bob smith on 07/04/2017 - 16:09
    +2

    In my opinion, never tailgate or intimidate another driver.

    You don't know their situation, they could either be a complete nutcase and cause serious injury to you, your passengers, and vehicle. Therefore, not worth the risk.

    To answer your question OP: many factors; impatient, culture, driver wants you to follow the speed limit, rush home to take a dump :)

  • Kangal on 07/04/2017 - 16:36
    -1

    Couple weeks ago I was travelling back home midnight on the Hwy.
    There was little traffic. I moved to the right lane (3 lanes) at a particular spot as there are 3 exit/entry on that stretch of road.
    So that stretch of road gets a little crowded, so it makes sense to move to the right lane if possible.
    After that little stretch (we're talking 1km/less), I usually move back to the middle lane.

    Its a 90km/h zone, and I was going a cool 93km/h.
    I was slowly overtaking a few vehicles (maybe 3 cars, evenly spaced ?), when from my rear a 4WD had his high-beams on, also went on the right lane.
    He floored it, knowing very well I was going a constant speed.
    He came right behind me, and slammed his brakes.
    At this point, he shifted his speed to match mine… but was tailgating me
    … with his High-Beams on, I had to move the mirror's as it was blinding my vision.

    I was like TF… nope mate, it can wait, can't bully me…
    …I kept driving exactly the way I was, and even slowed down to 88km/h to stay in the speed zone.
    This infuriated the driver, the entitled prick was wanting to run me off the road.

    The little busy stretch of road ended, and now he was free to move to the middle lane, floor it and overtake me.
    Did he? Nope. His ego was too big for such things, he wanted me to move over and he wanted to floor it.
    I was like… what a tosser.
    So I literally drove for 6km's on the right lane doing 88km/h with him right up my ass with his high-beams on.
    And at this point cars in the middle lane were doing ~96km/h and started to overtake us.
    This of course didn't sit well with our "gentleman" in the 4WD.

    And after 6km he gave up. He slammed his brakes to create some distance, then floored it rushing towards me.
    And changed to the middle lane without signalling. Still with his High-Beams on.
    Then he approached my side, and gave me the finger.
    He floored it, doing maybe 110km/h, and then went on the right-lane… the HWY was empty at that point.

    So I put my high-beams on and held my horn for a good 40 seconds.
    A total pissbucket… and the worst part is; he's happy with the way he drives and thinks other people are shit drivers.
    From an outsider point of view… its plain obvious that he's an obnoxious prick with an entitlement mentality.
    What I did wasn't "good" but it was still legal… and he didn't understand the obvious body language my car was giving him.

    I'm thinking of getting a sticker for my car, something like "As seen on OzBargain"…
    so that those drivers think twice before pulling some (prof) like that again… otherwise they'll see an angry thread here and maybe even a YouTube video with DashCams Australia : )

    • Mitchel on 07/04/2017 - 16:47

      Waiting for someone to post deals for both "As seen on OzBargain" stickers and Dashcams…..
      I wish I could +1 your comment more.

    • 18 on 07/04/2017 - 17:51
      +2

      As much as I would agree with you, what you did wasn't legal at all.
      1. High-beams MUST be switched to low-beam when driving 200 metres or less behind another vehicle.
      2. Using your horn inappropriately (especially for a 'good' 40 seconds)
      3. You can't stay in the right lane unless you are overtaking where it is 80km/h

      Unfortunately, two wrongs don't make a right. Just get out of the right lane. There are so many crazy people in the world its not even worth your ego being hurt…

      • Kangal on 08/04/2017 - 06:48
        +1

        True, but what he's involved in is dangerous driving.
        I mean its a heavy equipment just waiting to ruin someone's life.

        I think many people in general could justify my actions to stick to my lane in the speed limit, and try to ignore his bullying.
        I wasn't really thinking about my ego (well, not until he gave me the finger because he thought I was a crappy driver).
        I was thinking this idiot should understand, and if he wants to drive like a Grade A arse… well he can do so by overtaking me from the left.

        But yeah that's how it goes.
        Anyways, drivers aren't too bad in Brisbane/GC generally. I've come from Sydney, so I know how bad a driver can truly be.
        If there's one message I could get across to those "bad yet entitled" drivers it would be:
        These violent delights have violent ends.

        • protecon on 08/04/2017 - 10:16
          +1

          But you are a crappy driver. Not only did you not keep left, but you deliberately did this to annoy another driver. Get off the road.

        • Kangal on 08/04/2017 - 11:41

          @protecon:
          Thanks mum.
          Did you miss the part where I said I normally go back to the middle-lane, but couldn't/didn't because a huge arse 4WD was inches from my car with High-Beams on?

          You think I usually hog the right-lane?
          Nope, I'm actually a good driver (and I'm not just saying that) but this prick really rubbed me in the wrong way. If there was a patrol car he def 100% would've been booked. I'm thinking of getting a dashcam pointing to the rear, because of guys like this.

          You probably would've handled that situation the same, so need for you to be hypocritical. Otherwise, you should get off the road, ta.

        • protecon on 08/04/2017 - 12:36
          +1

          @Kangal: No really - I'm telling you this for your own good. You're lucky this guy just gave you the finger.
          Deliberately irritating other drivers is pathetic and immature behaviour. Grow up.

        • Kangal on 08/04/2017 - 21:04
          -4

          @protecon:
          How was I irritating him?
          He approached me. He had his high-beams on from a distance then settled to tailgate me.

          He had all the other lanes open, if he was in a rush.

          No he specifically wanted to harrass me.
          Deliberately irritating other drivers is not pathetic; it's dangerous.
          Which is why I didn't do it.
          I could've brake-checked him. I could've slowed 20km/h below the limit. I could've moved halfway out of the lane. I could've even slammed the brakes. I did none of that, I simply stuck to the speed limit.

          You should grow up… you're defensive behaviour on this subject is very suspicious. Are you the 4WD driver?

          (if you are, let's meet, I got a bone to pick with you)

    • bobbified on 08/04/2017 - 13:43
      +1

      Legally, you're not wrong - but you could've just moved to the next lane and everything else that happened after that could've been avoided.

    • Architectonic on 09/04/2017 - 12:37

      You put your life at risk, for what exactly?

      You didn't teach the guy a lesson at all, he will continue to drive like an (profanity).

  • pooman on 07/04/2017 - 17:49

    Simple solution. Everybody drive speed limit. If you drive slower get in the left. If you drive faster you deserve to be fined.

    • jaimex2 on 07/04/2017 - 21:45

      Its also against the law to drive 20 km below the limit, its a 2 demerit point offence.

      Lookup 'Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians' in your states road rule book.

      • RiseAndRuin on 07/04/2017 - 22:25
        +1

        can you please mention your source(s)?
        AFAIK it's 20 km/h, NOT 20 under the limit.

        http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/A1EA37D8E6E0E200CA257761003FFFBF/$FILE/09-94sr003.pdf

        Example of a driver driving abnormally slow
        A driver driving at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on a
        length of road to which a speed-limit of 80 kilometres per
        hour applies when there is no reason for the driver to drive
        at that speed on the length of road.

  • nrg2010 on 07/04/2017 - 19:32
    +2

    Awesome, tail gaiters should all have their faces smashed in. Why do I say this, because one recovers from being smashed in the face with a fist, not so much when smashed in the face by shitty drivers at 100 kmph. The results of too many road deaths and maimings have I experienced

    • Mitchel on 08/04/2017 - 11:17

      A snack to the head saves lives?

  • shiningstars on 07/04/2017 - 20:15

    There was a study which showed the majority of speedos in cars are wrong and they are not calibrated to the correct speed. So one person traveling at the speed limit according to their speedo may be traveling more slower than they think.

    I also feel the need to slow down futher if someone is tailgating to avoid an accident.

    • GregMonarch on 07/04/2017 - 23:26

      Yep. My current car reads 9km/h faster than actual speed. If I didn't own a GPS I would never have known. Fit a different set of rims/tyres on and it could get worse.

      • smartazz104 on 09/04/2017 - 18:14

        And you aren't supposed to know, the tolerance is built in so you don't inadvertently go over. People get speeding fines because they drive at a speed to allow for this tolerance and end up going over.

        • GregMonarch on 10/04/2017 - 22:24
          -1

          Grr don't get me started on radar. I've lost count the number of times I've seen one and slammed the brakes on because it's instinct I learned years ago on P plates that I can't get rid of. They cause more danger than create safety.

    • Piranha2004 on 08/04/2017 - 09:08

      This may be true but not sure how relevant it is to the discussion. Yes hither will be a degree of error but it is the only reference I have to my speed (don't have a car with GPS etc). I'm not going to assume that it's right or wrong based on what some tailgater is doing.

      • shiningstars on 08/04/2017 - 10:07
        +1

        I think it is relevant in cases where people are tailgating cars who are trying to stick to speed limits. A cars speedo by car manufacturing laws can be up to 10% under or over the actual speed. This can lead to up to 20% difference in the speed that two people believe they are going. A person may tailgate because they make the assumption that another car is driving 10km under the speed limit but this may not be the case as there are so many incorrect speedos.

  • Findo on 07/04/2017 - 20:21
    -6

    I drove a high performance car with brembos fitted once and that was a beautiful car to tailgate people with. The brakes allowed me to stop on a dime and the exhaust was loud enough to make people move out of the way fast.

    In my own turd car I keep the speedo calibrated every 6 months. People accuse me of speeding all the time when I'm doing the correct posted limit. Cars should have accurate speedos, that would solve a lot of issues.

    • smartazz104 on 09/04/2017 - 18:15
      -1

      Thanks for posting, we needed to see the other side's point of view to put things into perspective.

      • Findo on 09/04/2017 - 18:23

        No worries mate, I would encourage everyone to get their speedos calibrated so they can all travel at the correct speeds. I would advocate for louder exhausts too, but I realise that's not to everyone's liking. It's good for safety though, pedestrians can hear you coming.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/04/2017 - 20:29
    -1

    I am bit of a funny mix of a citizen's justice bunny (and slight hypcrite in some ways) and people who drive slow seriously infuriate me.
    But I am also the kind of person that doesn't like being bullied by other drivers. I think that slow drivers are essentially selfish people who don't give a shit about the other humans on the road with them. The kind of people who don't say please or thankyou or think of themselves above other people to an extent.
    There is a stark difference though between a slow driver and someone doing the correct speed limit getting tailgated.
    I am one of those people who always does 2-3km above the speed limit (because cars speed limits are generally 3km lower than the speedo reading- designed this way in manufacture), so if someone tailgates me without giving me a chance to move over then they are being an (profanity). I am one of those guys that will get into a punch up over a road rage incident because I just don't take shit from strangers and don't like bullies in life and on the road in general.

    I deal with assholes in business all day and treat them the same… and if someone on the road wants to bully others and be an (profanity) they will hear it from me or get a beep, or if they are a real (profanity), a swervy cut off in their lane depending how 'tough' they are.

    I am also the kind of driver that let's people in and waves to friendly/respectful/polite drivers.

    I like being that guy that reminds (profanity) on the roads that if they are going to threaten other drivers then they will get a dose of their own medicine with a punch/belting.

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