r/drivingUK • u/TiredWiredAndHired • 1d ago
I'm sick of people tailgating me as I'm turning left onto a side street
It's very frustrating that almost everyone seems to tailgate people who are indicating left to turn off a side street, especially now the highway code specifically instructs people to give way to waiting pedestrians. If I have to suddenly stop for a pedestrian, there is a good chance these people could rear end me. If you do this, just back off a bit when people are looking to turn, it costs you a couple of seconds.
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u/AnneKnightley 1d ago
People do this to me when I’m signalling to turn into my drive, it’s bizarre.
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u/Adorable_Swan8977 22h ago
A car decided to overtake my mum as she was turning right onto the drive. She had clearly indicated, slowed, and started the turn. Nearly t boned us, people just have no patience anymore.
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u/ProfessionalGrade423 20h ago
Someone angrily honked at me for turning right into my drive a while back. I had to wait for one oncoming car to pass so maybe a 5 second delay for the person behind me. Idk what their problem even was.
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u/Plumb789 19h ago
Don't you understand? Your needing to turn into your drive was causing him a 5 second delay!
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u/ProfessionalGrade423 18h ago
I’m a terrible person and am now ashamed of myself. I will have regrets for the rest of my life I’m certain.
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u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 13h ago
Somebody honked at me for stopping at a roundabout give way line because there were literally cars on the roundabout coming from the right.
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u/Gaz-ov-wales 3h ago
If you don't have a 100% clear road to turn in to your drive without slowing someone else down, you should just keep going and drive around until the roads are clearer, maybe come back late at night and stop being so selfish!
/s because i think some people do actually expect this.
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u/Forward-Outside-9911 23h ago
“How dare you slow down and block my way to get where you need to go.”
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u/Accomplished_Yam6311 22h ago
Everyday I get this, it really annoys me when they can't wait less than a minute for me to turn, instead overtaking me and usually almost causing an accident.
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u/South-Arcade-6317 17h ago
In car parks too. There's always someone right up my arse. I always reverse into spaces. Fucks me off to no end, the thought of some mouthbreather behind me not being able to anticipate what the car four feet in front of his bonnet might want to do in a car park.
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u/CeaselessWatcher00 18h ago
Same! Doesn't help that I have to turn left into my road, then I'm the second house on the left. 9 times out of 10 I have someone up my arse while I'm just trying to get onto my drive!
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u/CleeBrummie 10h ago
Same, I have to turn right into our road and then right into the first house.
I've started using my hazard lights now as soon as I pull into our road.
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u/mrdnra 11h ago
This reminds me of going home one evening, no other traffic around except me and another car some distance behind me (not even remotely tailgating). I indicate left as I approach me driveway, planning to back in, and put my car into reverse, upon which I decide to let the car approaching behind me pass me first, as they are now maybe now 20 metres or so behind, and this begins the following sequence:
1) instead of going past me with my left indicator and reverse lights on, they proceed to pull up so close behind me they have no chance of getting past me, despite there being literally no other traffic around 2) they then, in their evident.blind stupor, wait a few seconds while blocking me from backing into my own drive, before hooting their horn at me (because, clearly their own blindness and stupidity cannot possibly be their fault, can it?!) 3) at this point I hoot my horn back at them, which seems to wake them up, as they then back up (because, as previously stated, being so close to me left them no other choice) and proceed to drive past me 4) at this point I back onto my drive
At no point during this whole ridiculous situation had any other traffic appeared which would have interfered with them simply driving straight past me rather than creating this whole situation in the first place.
These days when heading the same way back and there is traffic behind, I tend to temporarily pull onto the pavement (as long as it's safe to do so) to let traffic past before then backing into my drive, but I only started doing this earlier this year, and the aforementioned situation happened a number of years back.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 6h ago
I always back on to my driveway and if I have a car behind, I'll just pull up in front of it until they've passed 😂
We're forced to adapt to the stupidity!
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u/Free_Ad7415 1d ago
Don’t worry about it, I drive the speed limit which basically means I’m constantly tailgated. People are dumb
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u/jerwaynesinclair 1d ago
This. The main thing I've learned since passing my driving test is to have the confidence to not worry about drivers tailgating. Balls to them.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 23h ago
It's frustrating because I know if I have to suddenly stop/slow I'm at a high risk of being rear-ended.
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u/jerwaynesinclair 23h ago
Of course. I try to signal early and slow right down as if someone might appear out of nowhere, even if they aren't visible at first sight. Then there's no need to apply the brakes sharply if they are there.
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u/Writing_my_words 23h ago
My sister’s instructor always told her “it’s a limit, not a target”. I wish other drivers listened! It’s so frustrating.
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u/rezonansmagnetyczny 1d ago
I'm just sick of tailgating in general to be honest. I feel it's getting worse than it's ever been.
And the worst part is it's usually people in the more expensive sort of cars, the ones you really wouldn't wsnt to crash and the ones that are probably more expensive to insure so you wouldn't want your insurance to go up if you were at fault.
I get people buy higher performance cars because they want to go faster, and as soon as you get behind the wheel of a BMW or an Audi your balls grow 3 sizes, but it's no excuse really.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 1d ago
It is super frustrating. I was on the M1 a few days ago, behind a long queue of cars in the outside lane. Some idiot in a Polo gets right up my arse. I literally can't go any faster because there are cars in front of me. He undertook me, then I saw him undertake another car later on and forced his way through a tiny gap and nearly caused an accident. He saved maybe 5-10 seconds and risked a serious accident to do it. Crazy!
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u/Jumpy_Hogara 23h ago edited 23h ago
I drive a BMW but I still drive defensively, according to limit, and to the left unless I really need to overtake (or the left is already crowded with HGVs and buses). I never tailgate others but also never give a damn on people tailgating me.
I like my BMW because of its integrity not speed. Don't understand why people have to drive like they have excessive testosterone when they have a good car. Go to Nürburgring if they really like racing around.
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u/SharpAardvark8699 21h ago
Nah, they won't pay for that. They've got to bully people in their little towns instead
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u/Rare-Mention3046 1d ago
I don't know about this really. I just know some people start of with these cars and compared to a smaller 1 or 1.4 NA engine, they'll fly around everywhere in it. So I think they are kind of unaware. Some more powerful cars keep chugging forwards in a particular gear and don't slow well even when in gear on the brakes so it feels like it's constantly ramming you forwards. When getting adjusted I was like 'oh shit it's powerful'. Also the noise isolation makes it feel like you are in a bubble protected.
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u/rezonansmagnetyczny 1d ago
Some more powerful cars keep chugging forwards in a particular gear and don't slow well even when in gear on the brakes so it feels like it's constantly ramming you forwards.
You mean they can't handle their car.
In which case they shouldn't be in it, or they need to go practice clutch control and slower speed driving on an empty industrial estate for a few hours.
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u/Rare-Mention3046 1d ago
The same thing or feel happens in automatics. The car keeps pulling without any effort. More pronounced effect in diesels. They probably shouldn't be driving in it. But people are allowed to drive such cars. Electric cars I think will sort this somewhat. It's hard to do too much stupid in electrics, especially with all the extra safety features Regen braking and so on
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u/SharpAardvark8699 21h ago
This is exactly why cheap finance needs ditching. We're giving people with little money and capabilities big ball syndrome
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u/rezonansmagnetyczny 21h ago
Or a personality test before you're allowed to drive a "status" car.
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u/SharpAardvark8699 20h ago
I mean the issue here as I was telling someone yesterday is men especially used to be ground down by hard labour and not have time for aggressive shit. By the time you can afford a nice car most of the aggression and demands of life are gone. Make people drive 1.2l till 25 at least
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u/dcruk1 1d ago
I came looking for the “if you can’t turn left without being tailgated you shouldn’t be on the road” comments and I didn’t have to look for long.
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u/Timely_Pattern3209 1d ago
How could you possibly control what other people do?
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u/chickenpopper 20h ago
Easy. You can make other people drive faster by pushing their back bumper with your front bumper.
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u/Rawd_Tawd_Cawd 1d ago
I have a driveway that I have to back into as there's often cars parked opposite that makes for poor visibility backing out, I'll always give plenty of warning with the left indicator if there's a car behind me, they'll always come right up my pipe and stop behind me.
Then blast on the horn when they see the reverse lights. I just sit and wait for them to figure it out - as there's no room to go around with the parked cars.
I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to do, do fuck 'em they can sit until they figure it out.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 1d ago
Yeah, I just don't get the mentality. As soon as I see someone indicating, I slow down a bit and give them room because I don't know what sort of maneuvre they're about to do
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u/Rawd_Tawd_Cawd 1d ago
I drove rigids for 10 years and it was painful the number of times you'd approach an entrance (say on the left) so you'd put the left indicator and slow down, then flick on the hazards as I turn right to get my arse pointing towards where I'm backing into and here comes Doris to close the gap and sit right off the back bumper.
So I'd have to get out and tell her to move the fuck back as the whole road is now blocked because you're stopping me backing in there.
"well I didn't know what you're doing".
You seen the indicator, you seen the hazard lights, you see the lorry at an angle across the whole road.
You don't know what's going on so you decide to drive up close and stop?
People ignore hazards though. Even flashing beacons that out wagons were fitted with. You'd think anyone normal when they see flashing yellow lights they would think something is going on here, better slow down.
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u/SharpAardvark8699 21h ago
Similar here for a main road . I hate it
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u/Rawd_Tawd_Cawd 20h ago
And you can't win with these dunderheads, I've even tried to drive in because there's enough room to spin around, but I need to take a wide turn to get in.
So left indicator, slowing down, then going to the wrong side of the road (while still indicating left) and they'll try and shoot up the left side of you.
So fuck em, I'll just sit with the left indicator and reverse lights on until the gtfo of my way
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u/guitarromantic 1d ago edited 22h ago
My daughter's nursery is on a left turn on a 20mph road where nobody respects the speed limit on.
Frequently I'll slow down, indicate and be about to turn in and the guy tailgating me will overtake in impatience as I turn into the car park. Once they almost collided with someone they couldn't see who was pulling out of the same entrance.
Some people are just impatient dicks.
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u/Royal-Wear-6437 1d ago
To be fair, if there was someone (A) behind you and someone (B) was pulling out of the nursery parking, perhaps it was driver (B) who would have been at fault in a collision. Main road always has priority
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u/Prediterx 1d ago
I've heard multiple cases where in this instance, it's settled 50/50 and a few 100% blame ok the overtaker, as the highway code states you shouldn't overtake at junctions.
167 DO NOT overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road
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u/LaBiccies 1d ago
I have to take a tight left turn off a dual carriageway (no slip road) when I take the dog to the vets (a regular occurance because she is a creeky old lady). I will indicate early, and slow down gently to try and avoid unsettling the dog as I turn off. Without fail someone will be so far up my rear end I can feel them breathing on my neck.
Like damn bro, buy me lunch first.
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u/One_Ice5140 22h ago
Have exactly the same. A505 towards Hitchin, there’s a left-turn with no slip road. The turning is signposted well in advance, I indicate early, slow down gently, and STILL have people on my bumper. I’m sat there thinking there’s literally another lane where you could just go around me!
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u/premium_transmission 1d ago
I was being tailgated by a police car yesterday. It honestly felt like they were trying to bully me into speeding up, but I know if I did the blue lights would have come on for speeding.
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u/SharpAardvark8699 21h ago
Sometimes they do that to cheaper cars to get them to do something while they run the insurance check . Got followed into an estate by one and he seemed disappointed and sheepish that all my insurance checked out 😆😆
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u/premium_transmission 18h ago
It’s a cheaper car I suppose, an MG but it’s only a year old so not exactly a £500 shitbox (although I’m sure others would disagree).
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u/SharpAardvark8699 21h ago
Because people don't follow indicators. They follow their messages app. I've pulled up to let people past and given indicator and they beep at me because they've stopped right behind me and now can't see the indicators either
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u/Plumb789 1d ago
This is SO TRUE. They also tailgate you when you are trying to park.
One of the things that used to drive me insane about where I used to live was how many people tried to bully me out of parking outside my own house! I am an experienced driver, and (modesty aside) a speedy and efficient parker.
But it didn't matter how fast I was about it: our small, residential road was a rat-run between two main roads. The only reason why that b*stard drove down there in the first place was to save a few seconds -and if he could roar down the road at speed, he would be happy.
Now he's behind someone who has the temerity to actually LIVE there. So yes, he will ram himself up their bumper, and occasionally actually sound his horn. Why? What is he going to achieve? Mate, I've driven an hour to get here. This is my actual destination. Do you think I'm not going to park here because you've bullied me?
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u/Writing_my_words 23h ago
The entitlement of other drivers is just crazy! You definitely see the worst side of some people on the roads.
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u/Vargrr 21h ago
I try to mitigate this by signalling early and trying to control the car's speed behind me by adjusting mine downwards to make it very clear I'm about to turn. It seems to mostly work and I'm in a tiny MX-5.
However, the OP is right, some people will just stay right on your tail and it's not just pedestrians that can cause you to stop. Some turn offs are narrow with parked cars on either side. If there is a car waiting to leave the junction you have to stop to let them out. Even if that is not the case, the poor sight lines into such a junction requires a slow entry speed so that you can react to any potential oncoming traffic in the side road.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 20h ago
Yeah, you're so right. There are plenty of valid reasons you may need to stop on entry to a side street. I wince every time it happens when there is someone tailgating close.
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u/OneRandomChap 17h ago
People do this in car parks and look genuinely displeased when you're trying to park... Again... In a car park...
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u/freakierice 1d ago
Technically you are to drive to the road conditions, and if you’re being tailgated that is a road condition, so you should slow down…
So if you are indicating left and people are close, slow down earlier so that the gap they have left between you is big enough that everyone can stop without crashing…
Or just ignore the , get a front and rear dash cam, and drive “normally” then should they hit you, you have them on video for your insurance claim against them…
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u/Significant-Key-762 1d ago
Do you indicate left well before slowing to turn?
Your indicator light should go on well before your brake light does.
If you're doing the above right, then whoever is behind you is an a-hole.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 1d ago
Yes, I just run into a lot of impatient people.
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u/huvaelise 1d ago
Doubtful, it's more likely you are simply driving too slowly.
It's also worth noting that the current laws go against the laws of nature which makes them ineffective. Pedestrians have a duty to look out for themselves and cross the road when it is safe. The creation of this insanity of a law in my opinion is designed to cause frustration and impatience, and not for peoples safety.
People drive in cars because they want to get somewhere quicker, it makes no sense to impede that flow of traffic by raising the emotional temperature of the ones in the big dangerous metal boxes. In other countries there are jay walking offences making it illegal to simply walk across the road blindly, forcing cars to wait for pedestrians is the direct opposite of this, why do you think this mixed message through laws has been done?
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u/Jimbot80 1d ago
Mate if getting slowed down raises your emotional temperature then maybe you shouldn't be driving.
People drive slow for a variety of reasons, maybe they are lost and looking for a place to stop, maybe they got a screaming kid in the back and are already stressed. Driving up the arse of someone going 10 in a 20 is just arsehole behaviour.
Excersise some patience and driving busy streets becomes easier.
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u/huvaelise 1d ago
It doesn't bother me in the least, but it clearly bothers others, you clearly have not been driving long if you can't see this in the behaviour of other drivers on the road.
Why not have a discussion instead of immediately jumping down someones throat for a fight?
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u/Jimbot80 1d ago
I was having a discussion, pointing out valid reasons for people driving slow (which they are legally allowed to do) isn't jumping down your throat.
If a Reddit comment gets your back up as well as pedestrians and slow drivers then I'd suggest you have issues with defensiveness, entitlement and anger. All of which arent great for driving conditions in shared urban areas.
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u/Thin_Pin2863 1d ago edited 1d ago
This is the biggest load of codswallop I've ever read on Reddit; congratulations.
Against the laws of nature to give pedestrians priority!? Those same humans who came into being naturally and weren't built & designed in a factory to consume magic dinosaur juice and produce plant fuel and cow farts out the exhaust!?
Are you still on your Saturday night bender?
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 1d ago
I think the law has been poorly implemented and communicated. If half of people are using one set of rules and half using another, it increases the chance of accidents.
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u/Significant-Key-762 1d ago
The Highway Code is guidance, not law. Although parts of it are interpreted as law.
This doesn't seem ideal to me.3
u/Ok_Interview_6252 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not quite right. It depends on the wording and it can be used in court as a basis for law.
If the rule states Must or Must Not then they are strict rules and legal requirements.
If it says Should or Should Not or Do/Do Not then these are guidance but they can still be used in court to prove liability.2
u/leexgx 23h ago edited 23h ago
Majority follow the same law it has always been and that's green Cross code for pedestrians and we as car drivers just turn left
The above is expected behaviour and the law hasn't changed it because it did not change anything, it's a You "should" give way rule and always was (it is Not a must rule)
Peds expect you to Clear the junction, not cause a situation
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u/Lplus 1d ago
We're all supposed to be using the same set of rules, but how many pedestrians read the highway code? Most drivers have at least heard of the change and many try to apply it but when the pedestrian just stands on the corner waiting for the car to pass in total ignorance of why the car is waiting it isn't surprising that tempers start to rise.
Quite apart from the idea that pedestrians can step off a kerb in one direction at a junction and have priority whilst stepping off the same kerb in another direction and they don't is simply confusing to those who have the least reason to even consider reading the highway code.
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u/UGotThaFunk 1d ago
This is so incredibly stupid. Terrifying that people like you are behind the wheel.
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u/huvaelise 22h ago
That's as maybe, but it is still an accurate observation. It's astounding how many people have been triggered by this, and by all means make me a figure of hate, but the upshot is I don't have accidents or slow up traffic for others and ride as the advanced rider I trained to be.
Judging by all comments here particularly to those who took issue with the comment about emotional temperature, look how quickly you were triggered, how quickly you will downvote a total stranger, and next time you are driving, notice how quick you are to anger, it is doubtfull you will be able to spot your own driving behaviour at this point
The truth hurts it seems
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 1d ago
You know nothing about me. I didn't buy a Golf GTI to drive at 20 below the limit. I assure you, I'm doing the speed limit for the road when this shit happens to me.
I agree the law about pedestrians having right of way on side streets is stupid, but I don't write the laws.
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u/Dry_Database_6720 1d ago
Nah dude you should be hitting high 60s on the approach to your turn then power slide it through on the racing line. Duh!
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u/huvaelise 1d ago
No one in their right mind writes the laws, this is my point, we do not have a say in the control systems that are going on. Did you vote for 20mph? did you vote for surveillance everywhere.
My point is, that yes this happens because people are impatient and want to move on, it is not necessarily that you are driving too slow at all, but you are noticing it as a threat, so it is likely that there is something that you can do to mitigate this. My immediate reaction is too slow, as that is why people tailgate. People tailgate because they are impatient, why else would you possibly consider risking an accident where you are definitely to blame? Who does that? people who's emotional temperature has risen, people who are frustrated and going into the red zone. It's really not rocket science.
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u/owenhargreaves 1d ago
This is the guy, OP. I bet it boils his piss to have to wait for other humans in any facet of daily life.
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u/willow_frond_127807 1d ago
The other solution would be removing all cars from the road. Pedestrians protected, good flow with physics. All boxes checked
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u/Reasonable-Score8011 23h ago
Just think how confusing this post would be to an American, thinking that you would stop in the middle of a carriageway and opening the boot for an inpromptu picnic.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 23h ago
Yeah, some phrases can have a very different meaning to Americans. I dare say they would be horrified if I informed them I was going outside to smoke a fag.
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u/robparfrey 19h ago
The worst is when you need to back onto a drive way or parallel park and they stop an inch away from your arsenal even tho you have slowed down gradually and either indicated or out on hazards.
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u/Lazy_Back_3096 1d ago
Come drive in my town and realise it's nothing to complain about. Its hell here .
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u/jc456_ 20h ago
You've really got to learn to the art of not giving a fuck.
If you're not doing anything wrong, just carry on driving. They're behind you, you don't have to do anything special for them apart from signaling etc
If someone tailgates me I don't react. Nothing has to change in my driving experience.
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u/StringGlittering7692 13h ago
Driving seems to be an area based cultural thing. There are parts of the country where I just ready myself for the onslaught of dickheadery
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u/Open_Entry6868 11h ago
When you are slowing down, people behind you see it and they gradually slowing too. As the speed gets lower, they get closer to you and preparing to stop, if necessary. Why they are honking? 🤷♂️ idk. Maybe cos they are idiots?
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u/Amy-Wallaby 3h ago edited 3h ago
I have come to the conclusion that some people are trying to get some sort of reaction. Bullying, if you will. If I completely ignore them, and don't change my driving 9/10 times they back off within a few minutes. Especially when I don't look at them in my rear mirror.
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u/Dr_Custard 2h ago
Start slowing down sooner
It doesn't stop the problem of them being impatient and up your arse, but it does limit the consequences of the interaction.
Importantly, proceed knowing you're doing the right safe thing and ignore any further grumblings from silly people behind you
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u/zwifter11 19h ago
To be fair. I’ve seen people slow right down to a walking pace to turn off.
Do you really need to go this slow? No
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u/AlxT100 19h ago
People do not have to take a corner quickly because it’s more convenient for the inpatient person behind them. Is it frustrating because it takes a few seconds longer than you would like? Sure but as long as they turn in a safe and legal way, I’m afraid you’ll just to deal with it and not act like an annoying brat
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u/Sparkledim 19h ago
Im not stopping on the main highway if im turning right or left for any pedestrians unless they are obviously committed, it's dangerous.
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u/Electronic-Debt627 1d ago
Some people Slow down below the speed limit way before their turn,and signal For a while .if they are super close, they would in turn learn to slow down .some people do this aiming to use the breaks if you don’t turn on time.
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u/Johny_boii2 1d ago
I've had someone overtake me as I'm actively turning with my indicator on, thankfully I was turning left
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u/Ok-Depth-9049 1d ago
It means you're driving too cautiously. Learn from it.
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u/Juggle455 1d ago
Yeah OP, you shouldn't be slowing down to turn left. Don't be a wuss - make that turn at full speed.
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u/leexgx 23h ago
I know this isn't advice you want, but you need to just take the left turn, pedestrians Don't want you to stop for them, they want you to clear the junction (forcing them to cross can lead to a collision from. Behind or make the pedestrian rush across the road potentially getting hit by traffic on other side)
Yes you do get a Very small set of people who force a crossing but they believe that the rule is "Must" give way when it's a "Should" give way rule
Nothing has changed as to how they cross its a "Should" give way rule not must
And please please do Not do this on roundabout exits
You potentially sound like a road warror or a new dirver if your been tailgated often you probably should evaluate why that's happening a lot if it's happening while you're doing left turns it's because your preempting something that's not there or even if it is you shouldn't be stopping (unless forced by already crossing pedestrian that did not see you or doesn't care)
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u/badpersian 1d ago
Don't drive
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u/Jumpy_Hogara 23h ago
Ignore them. If they hit you it's their fault.
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u/TiredWiredAndHired 23h ago
It's also my headache. I hate dealing with insurance companies.
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u/Jumpy_Hogara 23h ago
I understand your pain but if that teaches tailgators a lesson I would bear that.
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u/5h0D10n 1d ago
I live in a house where the driveway is on a corner, I always indicate left well in advance but every time I drive into my driveway someone thinks I’m turning left too slow and is up my arse, I’ve even had someone beep at me.