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Mom’s Drive Muscle Cars Too & How to Handle Tailgaters

My Mustang - Mom's Drive Muscle Cars Too & How to Handle Tailgaters

Since I’ve transitioned back to work and driving daily again I’ve noticed something that bothers me – A LOT!
I drive a very pretty silver Ford Mustang.  It was my dream car and I bought it in cash while I still lived with my parents.  I am still very much in love with my car and even though I now have my baby daughter to drive around we manage to do it in my Mustang.

I’ve always noticed that people drive more aggressively around my Mustang than around my husbands Honda Accord.  I don’t know what it is but people want to race me, want to cut me off, w

Mom's Drive Muscle Cars Too & How to Handle TailgatersEvery night on my way home from work I find myself being followed way too closely by just about every other car that gets behind me.  Now I know you are thinking “so move over or go the speed of traffic”.  Common sense right.  Well no.  This happens no matter what lane I am in, and it happens when I am going the speed of traffic – which is usually 10km/hr over the limit.  ant to tailgate me even if I’m going above the speed limit already.  In general other drivers just drive more stupidly around my car compared to my husbands.

What bothers me more is when people do this while I am driving my infant daughter around.  Then it becomes so much more than a safety issue for me.    

It even happens when going 10 km/hr or more with a pile of cars in front of me which begs the question as to whether or not other drivers think Mustangs can defy the laws of physics and just drive through other cars!
So how do I deal with it?  I deal with it by remaining calm, maintaining my speed and I also make sure there is enough room between me and the car ahead that there is no chance I would have to slam on my brakes.  Usually the person then tries to pass me and I can continue on my way safely.

Now, I guess this begs the question of why people do this?  What makes people drive so aggressively around sports or muscle cars?  What do they have to prove?

If you find yourself in this situation here are some tips to handle Tailgaters safely & effectively.

1)  Remain Calm & do not lose control of the situation

2)  If you are on a single lane road just pull over and allow the vehicle behind you to pass, if it is safe to do so.

3)  Maintain your speed.  Do not speed up to placate them and do not slow down in order to send them a “message”.  

4)  Tap your brakes lightly a few times, so that he/she sees your brake lights, but not so hard that you actually slow down.  This should send them a warning to back off without actually causing an accident.

Most importantly do not be part of the problem!  Use the simple rule of “slower traffic keep right” (assuming you are in Canada/USA).   Do not respond aggressively to an aggressive driver, it just isn’t worth it! 

jason

Friday 24th of May 2013

I drive a 2007 Shelby GT 500 mustang with over 500HP to the rear wheels. When the fools tailgate me in their civics etc and we get to a light or stop sign, I rev it up dump the clutch and lite the tires with so much smoke they have to go on oxygen or put their head lights on. Most pass me or turn off the road im on. Ya I know and I am 66 years young and don't give a damn. lol

Michelle Chow

Tuesday 9th of April 2013

Hello, FMEh. Very sound advice. I wonder why this happens though; you have raised a good question. You car is a very cool; I have always dreamt of owning a sports car, too but the ones I dream of now are more than I can ever hope to afford. I am happy you kept it and use it with your daughter. I enjoyed this article, Frugal Mom Eh!

Margarita Ibbott ~ @DownshiftingPRO

Monday 1st of April 2013

there is nothing worse then tailgating. I hate when that happens. I just don't understand when people do that an there are other cars in front. What do they expect to do, drive over them too? There is no where to go, idiot... STOP TAILGATING... I feel better now, thanks for letting me vent Elizabeth :)

Hollie

Monday 1st of April 2013

First I am jealous you drive my favorite car every day, second I agree with you about road safety, and not matter what you are driving it is so important to remain calm. :)

cathy henatyszen

Thursday 28th of March 2013

I was a professional driver (small cars all the way up to 5 tonne trucks on the regular roadways, as well as driving semi on the docks in the past)

needless to say i have a bit of experience.

There is only ONE TRIED AND TRUE WAY TO GET A TAILGATER OFF YOUR BUMPER.

THAT IS TO RIDE WITH ONE TOE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND THE OTHER ONE ON THE GAS AS NORMAL. (the other thing that works is a toggel switch that triggers the brake light only, this will not wear the brakes down and heat them up)

THIS MAKES ANY NORMAL SEMI-SAINE DRIVER BACK OFF, AS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN YOUR GAS FOOT WILL REALLY HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL....

GIVE IT A TRY FOR THE SAME OF YOUR YOUNG CHILD, IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE FASTER THAN MAKING SURE YOU HAVE AN EXIT PLANNED OUT, WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE ANYHOW...

GOOD LUCK, hope this helps you and many others out there... spread the word !!!

P.S. As a mother of 4, I will add that your more careful when there is a young child in the car, and will often notice things like this you never noticed before...

Hugz...