06/02/2026
Good afternoon friends,
Traffic congestion, road construction, and delays are a routine part of commuting, but how we respond to these situations matter. While it may seem minor, tailgating or following too closely is a dangerous form of aggressive driving that can be life changing. Driving too closely to the vehicle ahead dramatically reduces reaction time. If the lead driver hits the brakes suddenly, a crash can happen in an instant. Beyond the risks of a crash, tailgating intimidates other motorists, escalates tension on the road, and can spark a road rage incident.
The Golden Rule: Maintain at least a 3-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead. Increase that to 4 or 5 seconds in poor weather or heavy traffic.
What to Do If Someone is Tailgating You
It’s incredibly stressful to look in your rearview mirror and see someone riding your bumper. If you find yourself targeted by an aggressive tailgater, remember that your goal is safety, not teaching them a lesson.
Stay calm: Do not tap the brakes ("brake check"), slow down dramatically out of spite, or make hand gestures. This will only escalate the situation.
Move over: Safely change lanes to let them pass as soon as possible. On a single-lane road, safely pull over into a designated turnout or parking lot to let them by.
Keep your distance: If the aggressive driver passes and cuts you off, increase your following distance to re-establish a safety cushion.
Practicing patience and planning ahead are key strategies for a safer commute. Before starting the engine, take a moment to focus and breathe. Arriving a couple of minutes late is always better than not arriving at all. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
Safe travels,
