What To Do If You’re Being Tailgated by a Drunk Driver

Tailgating is one of the most dangerous behaviors a driver can exhibit on the road. Add an intoxicated driver into the mix, and the situation becomes even more hazardous. Drunk drivers often display erratic and unpredictable behavior, making tailgating a severe threat to the safety of all drivers.

Knowing what to do if you’re being tailgated by a drunk driver can mean the difference between a close call and an accident. Staying calm and focused in these moments is essential—you have the power to act carefully and protect yourself and others.

Tailgating and Drunk Drivers

Tailgating happens when a driver follows the vehicle in front of them too closely, typically ignoring safe stopping distances and leaving little time to respond if the leading car brakes or changes lanes suddenly. This creates a high-risk environment where just a tap on the brakes by the leading vehicle can result in a collision. When the person doing the tailgating is driving under the influence of alcohol, the risks multiply.

A drunk driver’s lack of coordination, slowed reaction time, and inability to judge speed and distance make tailgating particularly dangerous. You may notice drunk drivers swerving within their lane, changing speed erratically, or failing to brake at stop signs or traffic lights. These signs can confirm that the driver following you may be intoxicated, underscoring the need for a cautious response.

How To Respond Safely

Stay Calm and Focused

When you’re being tailgated by a drunk driver, staying calm is the most important thing you can do. It’s normal to feel anxious, scared, or frustrated, but reacting impulsively can escalate the situation. Keep your emotions in check, and remind yourself that staying composed is the best thing you can do for your safety. Focus on the road, and avoid making sudden moves or drastic changes to your speed.

By keeping your attention on driving, you reduce the likelihood of making mistakes that could worsen the situation. Remember, panicking or trying to shake off a drunk tailgater only increases the risks for everyone on the road.

Create Distance Between You and the Drunk Driver

One of the best ways to stay safe when being tailgated by a drunk driver is to increase the distance between your vehicle and theirs. If you’re on a multi-lane road or highway, look for an opportunity to signal and move over to a different lane. By gradually shifting lanes, you allow the driver behind you to pass, which will reduce the immediate danger.

Do this slowly and without making any abrupt movements. Don’t speed up to escape or swerve in a way that could cause you to lose control of your own vehicle. Giving the drunk driver space will help you avoid a potentially catastrophic collision, so be patient and keep your composure, even if the driver behind you seems too close.

Avoid Sudden Moves

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when being tailgated by a drunk driver is to slam on your brakes or make sudden moves. Doing so could catch the tailgater off guard and provoke them into acting more recklessly. Instead, focus on driving at a steady speed.

Keep your speed consistent, and avoid unnecessary changes in direction. The more you can make your driving predictable, the more likely the tailgating driver will have a chance to react appropriately. Your goal is to de-escalate the situation and prevent unnecessary confrontation, so give the drunk driver time and space to pass safely without putting yourself or anyone else in further danger.

What To Do if You Can’t Escape the Tailgater

Unfortunately, you might find yourself boxed in or unable to create adequate space between you and the impaired driver. If that happens, your first course of action should be to dial 911 immediately. When making the call, give the dispatcher as much detail as possible, including your location, the make and model of the tailgater’s vehicle, their erratic behavior, and your direction of travel.

If the drunk driver’s vehicle has a front license plate that you can read without distracting yourself from the road, provide that information as well. The more information you provide, the better equipped law enforcement will be to address the danger and intervene.

If you can, look for a safe place to pull over. A well-lit parking lot, a rest area, or the side of the road (far out of traffic) are all viable options. By stopping and letting the tailgater drive past, you remove yourself from harm’s way and allow the impaired driver to move on without escalating the risk of an accident.

How To Protect Yourself in the Long Run

Dealing with drunk driving incidents is stressful; the last thing you need is a financially crippling aftermath if something goes wrong. Having the right insurance coverage offers protection in these scenarios. Comprehensive auto insurance is a must—not just to cover basic liability but also to safeguard against accidents caused by impaired drivers.

If you occasionally drive but don’t own a vehicle, investing in cheap non-owner auto insurance can be a practical way to ensure you’re covered whenever you get behind the wheel. This type of insurance provides liability protection when driving vehicles you don’t own.

Legal Considerations and Consequences for the Drunk Driver

Impaired driving doesn’t just endanger public safety; it comes with legal ramifications, as well. Tailgating while under the influence can compound the driver’s legal troubles, as they may face charges for reckless endangerment in addition to a DUI. Depending on the jurisdiction, this can lead to steep fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, or even prison time.

If you encounter a drunk driver tailgating you, reporting the incident is a step toward protecting yourself and a service to the greater community. After safely pulling over, relay as much information as possible to law enforcement to prevent accidents and bring accountability to dangerous drivers.

Prioritize Your Safety

Knowing what to do if you’re being tailgated by a drunk driver requires vigilance, composure, and quick thinking. Staying calm, creating distance, and knowing when to call for help are critical for your safety. While it’s natural to be shaken after such an incident, take comfort in knowing you did everything possible to stay safe. Your efforts also contribute to making roads safer for everyone.