I'm with you on this one—slowing down too much can definitely backfire. I've noticed that when someone's already impatient, easing off the gas sometimes just escalates things. Had a guy behind me once who got so irritated he started flashing his high beams and even swerved around aggressively...not exactly the safest outcome.
Personally, I find it way less stressful to just calmly signal and move over when there's space. It feels like you're defusing the situation rather than unintentionally provoking it. Plus, if your goal is defensive driving, isn't it better to remove yourself from the risky scenario altogether?
Still, I get why increasing following distance is recommended—more reaction time is always good—but maybe it's more about finding a balance between giving yourself space and not triggering road rage from someone behind you.
I see your point about not provoking impatient drivers, but isn't the whole idea of defensive driving to prioritize your own safety rather than worrying too much about someone else's impatience? I've found that maintaining a steady, predictable speed—even if it's slightly slower—often encourages aggressive drivers to just move around me safely. Sure, occasionally you'll get someone flashing lights or tailgating, but is speeding up or quickly moving aside really safer in those tense moments? Seems like consistency might be underrated here...
Yeah, I totally get what you're saying about consistency. I've noticed that too—when I'm driving predictably, most impatient drivers just find their own way around me without much fuss. But I think there's also a balance to strike here. Like, if someone's aggressively tailgating or flashing lights, sometimes it's safer to just calmly shift lanes when you can, rather than holding your ground too rigidly. Not saying you should speed up or make sudden moves—that definitely makes things worse—but giving them an easy out can defuse tension and reduce your own stress.
I remember once on the freeway, this guy was glued to my bumper for miles. I kept steady at the speed limit, thinking he'd eventually pass. He didn't... just got angrier and more aggressive. Eventually, when I had a clear opportunity to slide over safely, I did—and he zoomed past like he was racing someone. Felt way better having him ahead of me than behind.
So yeah, consistency is key for sure, but a little flexibility now and then can be helpful too. Defensive driving's all about adapting to what's happening around you in real-time anyway...
"giving them an easy out can defuse tension and reduce your own stress."
Exactly. Had a similar thing happen last week—someone tailgated me relentlessly, but once I moved over, the tension vanished. Flexibility definitely complements consistency; it's all about reading the moment and adjusting as needed.
Totally agree with the flexibility thing. Reminds me of a time I was driving my old '72 Beetle home from a car meet. Now, anyone who's driven one knows they're not exactly speed demons—especially mine, which is more about reliability than horsepower. Anyway, this guy in a huge pickup truck was practically glued to my bumper for miles. At first, I was annoyed, thinking "come on man, I'm already pushing 60 here," but then I realized it wasn't worth the stress or the risk of him doing something reckless.
So I just eased off the gas a bit and pulled slightly onto the shoulder to let him pass. He zoomed by, gave me a quick wave (surprisingly friendly), and that was it—tension gone. Honestly, it felt good to just let it go instead of getting worked up over something I couldn't control anyway.
Funny enough, that defensive driving course you mentioned actually helped me out in situations like this. Took one last year to shave some bucks off my insurance (every penny counts when you're keeping an old classic running). Thought it'd be boring, but it turned out pretty useful. They talked a lot about managing your own reactions and giving aggressive drivers space rather than escalating things. Didn't think I'd actually use that advice so soon, but hey, life surprises you sometimes.
Anyway, glad you saved some cash on insurance—more money for parts and gas, right?
