Stop flipping other drivers the bird and they'll stop tailgating you!

 

use to have a pathfinder, got rear ended 4 times, but no damage to my car, cause of the spare tire, but it really messed up the other cars.

 

just the drive car slow...VERY f*king slow. They'll get annoyed and try to switch lanes

 

"I brake check without mercy"

Not implying you are road raging or anything of the sort. Have had the inclination to check fools that ride too close behind me... however this case has set a new precedent where you risk some serious charges if you cause an accident. : http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=68159

 

You have some control in dealing with cars in front and approaching from the sides. But the guy who comes up behind when you are standing still is totally beyond your control. Worst accident I had was when my Civic (8 years ago) was rear ended as I stood at a traffic light. Went through all the insurance, cop report stuff. Called her insurance company and she hadn't reported it. Person on the phone says "I can see why. This is her third accident."

 

Yeah I know exactly how you feel. I've actually been rear-ended by someone not paying attention when I was at a FULL stop behind a school bus. Hit me doing about 60. I saw it all in slow-mo. Suffered a concussion, 1 hell of a realistic freaky armaghedon type dream and about 4months of going to the chiropractor with back pain.

But since then I have noticed that people do stop behind me really closely and part of it is due to the rear-view mirror and angle of it that makes people seem closer than they are, escpecially if they are in a truck or SUV.

I've been thinking about making or getting a brake light flash kit for the 3rd center light just to make me more visible.

*EDIT* Saw this a couple weeks ago and wondered how well this LED Message Light would work. - http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/electronic/8e9a/

And depending on the message you put in there, you may even make someones day...

 

 

I hit my brakes harder at first so I have more room in front of me and then the guy behind me SLAMS his brakes on and I still have room in front to go.

 

Every day, I do it. I'm worried a lot more about what's behind me than what's in front of me. Of course, we all know that if we're rear ended, it's always the other guy's fault. Still, you'll never be able to make the car the same.

 

Ive been rear ended over five time in my life now and 4 of the 5 times was because of this. The other time it was someone at a red light that let the clutch out while in gear and bumped me.

 

Some times I just put my signal light pretending I'll be turning right and it makes them slow down then I just keep going straight and do it again if necessary. Now... If I'm really going to make a turn then I make sure to be way ahead of the other driver.

 

sorry, but if you are that freaked out about driving maybe you should take the bus instead?

 

I think most everyone can relate to this thread. It's why I kept my rear deck 3rd brake light on my G even though I had the dealer add the spoiler that has a brake light built in.

Keep in mind that most accidents are caused by SLOW drivers. That said, in congested traffic, slowing down early and just letting aggressive drivers by is probably the best way to avoid rear end collisions...

I had a college bud relate a story where this lady was on the cell not paying attention and was tailgating big time no matter how fast he drove - maybe zoned out, maybe just being inconsiderate? Well a toll plaza was coming up and a huge semi-tractor-trailer was for some reason barely moving in his lane. He could've stopped, but decided to gun it and move into the adjacent lane in heavy traffic. Not the smartest move on his part admittedly but like many of you have related, he wanted to make sure he didn't get hit by this lady behind him so he went for it. He made the lane change with plenty of clearance and looked back in the side view mirror to see a huge fireball erupt from the back of the truck where this lady had apparently plowed into it.

He felt really guilty about it afterwards and admitted he should've slowed down and just let her by. Might not just be your life your saving but others around you...

 

+1 ATL is the worst. Tons of women trying to drive huge cars and trucks while trying to make their faces and carry on a conversation on the phone. I drive very cautiosly here and then play hard when I go back up to N. GA. where the roads are open and windy.

 

im also in the same boat as you guys. my brothers 325i was totaled from a rear end crash, his friend (girl) was following too close.