Ask Aunt Clara
Driving Pace and Peace of Mind: Aunt Clara on Handling Tailgaters
Aunt Clara shares why letting impatient drivers pass on scenic back roads is a win for safety and your own peace of mind.
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Whenever I drive the speed limit down our scenic back roads, folks behind me get impatient and tail my bumper like they’re in a race. I like taking my time and staying safe, especially with deer around, but the aggressive driving stresses me out. Should I just pull over to let them pass, or stand my ground on the road?
— Tired of the Tailgating
Dear Tired of the Tailgating,
Oh, my dear, I hear you loud and clear. There is nothing quite like enjoying a pleasant drive down a winding country road, taking in the scenery and keeping a sharp eye out for our four-legged forest neighbors, only to look in your rearview mirror and find someone practically sitting in your backseat.
Choose Peace Over the Passing Lane
When someone is riding your bumper, it is terribly tempting to make a point of standing your ground. But Aunt Clara is here to tell you that our scenic roads are meant for peaceful travel, not stubborn duels. You are entirely right to drive at a safe pace, especially with deer known to bound out from the brush without so much as a blinker. However, holding up an impatient driver usually just escalates the tension and increases the danger for everyone on the road.
My best advice is to simply pull over and let them pass whenever it is safe to do so. Keep an eye out for a wide shoulder, a gravel turnout, or a clear driveway entrance. Signal early, slow down gently, and let the speed demon zip right on by. You are not losing a battle by pulling over; you are escorting a hazard out of your personal space.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road Ahead
Once that tailgater is safely ahead of you, your blood pressure can settle right back down, and you can return to enjoying your afternoon. Remember, your only job behind the wheel is to keep yourself and your passengers safe, not to manage the manners or speed of the driver behind you. Let them hurry along to wherever it is they think they need to be.
Take a deep breath, keep watching for those deer, and let the impatient folks fade into the distance. Safe travels, my friend!
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