On the road
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you suspect you are being followed, do not drive directly home.
Followers need your address to return later and damage your vehicle or home.
6 people, independently
Do not look at your phone while walking or driving.
Distraction leads to failing to notice traffic or obstacles, such as walking into stuff/traffic or failing to look both ways.
3 people, independently
Slow down gradually when being tailgated to let the other driver pass.
Gradual slowing gives the car behind more time to react; tailgaters rarely stay behind a slow car on a highway.
6 people, independently
If you suspect someone is following you in a vehicle, make four consecutive turns in the same direction to return to your starting area; if they remain behind, proceed to a police station.
This maneuver creates a loop that confirms whether the other driver is mirroring your movements intentionally.
- This method may not work effectively in areas without grid-based road networks or with complex one-way systems.
- Avoid turning onto poorly lit or isolated streets during the test.
3 people, independently
When another driver flashes their lights, slow down and look ahead for issues like police, speed checks, crashes, or animals.
They might be warning you about something blocking the road.
3 people, independently
- Interpret flashing headlights as a warning to slow down for hazards such as animals, debris, accidents, floods, obstructions, or police.5
Track the wheels of oncoming cars instead of the driver's eyes to gauge their actual path, since wheels reveal direction even if the driver is distracted.
Eyes show intent, but wheels show movement; side-to-side motion against the background is hard to judge quickly.
3 people, independently
If you are being tailgated, maintain your speed and do not let the other driver dictate it.
Speeding up gives in to their impatience and increases your stress; maintaining speed forces them to pass eventually.
3 people, independently
Maintain consistent and predictable driving behavior rather than giving up right-of-way out of kindness, as unpredictability causes accidents.
Predictable driving is safer than polite driving when consequences can be catastrophic; predictability is politeness in this context.
3 people, independently
Move out of the left lane if you are not actively overtaking another vehicle.
Driving at the same speed as other lanes in the left lane can result in a ticket for failing to yield to faster traffic.
6 people, independently
6 more on this
Use turn signals cautiously when tailgated; while some find flashing indicators eases drivers off, others report it causes aggression or confusion.
Some drivers instinctively back off, but others interpret right blinkers as permission to pass or react aggressively.
3 people, independently
When someone flashes their headlights at you, check if your own lights are off or if your high beams are on and blinding them.
20 people, independently
If a motorcyclist pats the top of their head or helmet with an open palm, assume there is police activity or danger ahead and increase your awareness.
6 people, independently
Drive defensively by assuming others will ignore traffic rules and staying ready for violations.
4 people, independently
- Assume every other driver is incompetent or dangerous to maintain defensive awareness.3
Recognize that bumpy roads can change a vehicle's angle, causing headlights to appear to flash unintentionally.
3 people, independently
Flash your headlights to indicate you have completed passing the trucker, signaling they may safely merge back into their lane.
3 people, independently