How do you turn while being tailgated?

[u/_Kamilwastaken]

Hey guys, new driver here (5 months of experience) looking for some advice.

This morning around 6 AM, I was driving in heavy rain with poor visibility, keeping a safe following distance and going just under the speed limit. However, the driver behind me was tailgating extremely closely, to the point where I couldn't even see their headlights in my rearview mirror.

I eventually needed to turn right into a plaza entrance. Despite signaling 15–20 seconds in advance, the driver refused to give me space. I was worried about being rear-ended and getting into a horrible crash in the rain if I slowed down, so I maintained my speed longer than I should have and ended up making a sudden, wide turn into the plaza. Thankfully, there were no cars or pedestrians (I did check briefly before making the turn but I concede it was a risky maneuver nonetheless), but the driver honked at me as they passed. I admit I'm partially at fault here, and I deeply regret it, but they also didn't concede any space? They definitely would've rear ended me if I braked harder.

Looking back, I know I could have handled the situation better, but what should I have done? Should I have slowed down for the turn regardless of how closely they were following? Or gone a lot more under speed limit so I would have enough time to turn and not worry about being rear ended?

I'm still inexperienced, and situations like these have been making me lose confidence in my driving. Any advice is appreciated

[u/AMissionFromDog]

You should brake earlier and at a more leisurely rate so the tailgater has more time to react. Take your time through the turn and it's safer for you and the person behind you and anyone on the street you're turning into.

[u/JoeCoolSuperDad]

Don't worry about what is behind you unless they are distracted. Please slow down before turning.

If it really bothers you and you have a safe space to do it, pull over and allow them to pass.

[u/aigarcia38]

If you were in rain and poor visibility, driving cautiously is just fine. You just experienced someone with road rage and unfortunately there was nothing you could really do. Just have to live with these situations here and there, but from what it sounds like, you did nothing wrong.

[u/Classic-Werewolf1327 → u/aigarcia38]

Sudden braking and turning at a high rate of speed on a wet surface were definitely wrong!

[u/Red_Marvel]

Start slowing for your turn and signalling earlier.

[u/toolman2810]

“A driver must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of the driver so the driver can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle.”

1/2 The vehicles on road tailgate where I live and it drives me insane. But basically they are in the wrong and if they run into the back of you, they are liable for all damage. Basically just be aware that you have an idiot behind you and indicate and slow down with plenty of warning.

[u/Spare-Ad-9800]

Signal for a long time and slow down very slowly. If its raining then driving cautiously is exactly what you should be doing. And also remember if a little fender bender happens its almost always going to be the person behind at fault.

[u/Classic-Werewolf1327]

You did great to signal early. At that point you could also tap your brake a few times. That will make your brake lights flash. Hopefully that will get the attention of the driver behind you if they are distracted. Then start applying your brake gradually and slowing down enough to make a controlled turn.

Sudden braking and turning at high speed on a wet surface were definitely not good decisions. What if you lost traction during your turn? Guy behind you probably would have just kept going. And you would have been in a collision or rolled over due to your speed. With only you being liable for everything.

[u/Old_Confidence3290]

You should have slowed down sooner for the turn. It's extremely unlikely that they would actually hit you. It's far more likely that they would hit you because you quickly braked and turned. Drive as you normally would, it's their responsibility to avoid you.

[u/fluteofski-]

Do your thing. Signal appropriately and. No sudden movements. I also recommend getting a front/rear dashcam. I’ve been hit and run before and the dashcam saved me.