Best way to get rid of tailgators? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

roadglidermike · 12-10-2008, 12:18 AM

I always keep extra spark plugs in my vest to drop and hopefully the offending driver gets the point.

hdwoman48 · 12-10-2008, 12:36 AM

If I can, I pull over and let them by. Given the propensity of people to become unhinged, I figure I'd rather have the fool in front of me rather than PO'ed and behind me.

DueceDog · 12-10-2008, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdwoman48

If I can, I pull over and let them by. Given the propensity of people to become unhinged, I figure I'd rather have the fool in front of me rather than PO'ed and behind me.

I agree with HDwoman, but.. I've been known to bless them with loving looks, friendly gestures, and suggestions on how to improve their driving experience.

There was a time, eons ago, when I carred marbles in my jacket pocket. Hold them just like you would when playing marbles and getting ready to shoot. Let em fly from in front of you, up over your head. They then don't see you throw them. Or. so I've been told.

jdbankey · 12-10-2008, 06:28 AM

Drop a small hand full of BB's (keep them in your vest or jacket pocket).

Best bet - pull over!

YankeeBob · 12-10-2008, 06:45 AM

Simple...pull over and let them pass.

mungo · 12-10-2008, 06:50 AM

I use to do what DueceDog did, only with small pebbles. But then I found the people that generally tailgate are the ones who don't care about the front of their cars.

If someone's tailgating me, I just slow down to allow more room between me and the car in front. Sometimes they get the drift, or they pass.

I've had fantasies of "brandishing" my sidearm, but for now, they'll stay fantasies.

jerry34208 · 12-10-2008, 08:26 AM

GAS IT !!!

Dagerazod · 12-10-2008, 08:31 AM

I have found that doing 25 in a 50 tends to make people who would tailgate you want to go around you as quickly as possible. As an added bonus they tend to tell you that you are number one! With sign language of course.

TRAYLORTRASH · 12-10-2008, 08:40 AM

My buddy and I used to ride together. If a tailgater got on us we'd each take a lane, and slow down to about 20 under the speedlimit. This way he can't even pass, and he gets really pissed. We have seen plenty of people get tickets after they fly by us.

TheNowhereman · 12-10-2008, 08:47 AM

My tried an true way is this..
Go get some ball bearings; about 1/4 inch in dia.
Keep em in your left jacket or vest pocket. (for obvious reasons)
If someone gets to messin with ya, just take a few, very quickly flip them over your head.
Then watch the fun.
Those bearings come raining down like metalized hail and just destroy windshields.
Once you get some practice, they won't even know that you did it. Just that maybe someone threw up a rock from a tire.
It works perfectly...

FXDRYDR · 12-10-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdwoman48

If I can, I pull over and let them by. Given the propensity of people to become unhinged, I figure I'd rather have the fool in front of me rather than PO'ed and behind me.

+1... Getting too old for sheit.

kustom_flames · 12-10-2008, 10:03 AM

I find a little controlled swerving, making an 'S' in the lane, usually will have the person behind ya back off the gas. I believe in the MSC, they teach you to take up as much of the lane as possible...

Mr Cujo · 12-10-2008, 10:19 AM

As a recovering, but never cured, road-rager, I desperately want to:

a) brandish -- or use-- a sidearm
b) throw small but effective objects at them
c) beat them down like Michael Vick on a bad dog

However, the person in me that wants to live another day (car vs. bike sucks..been there, done it) says to use one or some of the following:

a) slow down somewhat and give room
b) move over if possible
c) assume an incredibly heightened and defensive driving mode
d) if conditions permit, accelerate to a safe and effective escape speed and do just that..escape the idiot

Riding the interstates around here give me plenty of practice...

PR3VS56 · 12-10-2008, 10:23 AM

I'll usually speed up, get out of their way, then pick a lane position that allows them to drive right by. Slowing down to force a pass usually just makes them angry. Plus, it's a lot more fun to give it some throttle!

NHFree1 · 12-10-2008, 10:41 AM

I was sitting in the right lane at a red light one time and my mistake was not staying far enough to the right in the lane to block people from coming up next to me to make a right turn (lane was for going straight or turning). This teenager squeezed in there so close I thought he was gonna run over my foot. Anyway...he must have shyte himself when I whaled (not a polite knock) on his driver side window. Don't think he'll be doing that again.

The lady in the car behind him decided not to do the same as I saw her approach and I reved the throttle while looking at her in my mirror.

If you assume all people are idiots, you can be truly surprised when you find out they aren't. It can also save your life.