Originally Posted by
DanceswithUnix
I can see a few ways that will pan out:
1/ The tailgater is a moron who has no concept of speed and distance, and no idea of why the person in front of them is slowing down. Baffled, they slow down to match and keep what they believe is a safe distance behind you.
2/ The tailgater thinks they are a driving god and the LOSER in front of them is now going even slower. They know their bottom of the range hatchback can stop in 4mm specially with their inhuman reflexes behind the wheel. Perhaps if they stick really close the idiot in front will speed up, they are doing the idiot a favour by not flashing and beeping at them.
3/ The tailgater knows they are superior. They have a Merc, you merely have a VW and as someone down in their perceived pecking order they will bully you until you get into your place, behind them. You haven't move over yet, but as you are slowing down you are clearly getting the message and the plan is working.
4/ It is dark and the tailgater can't see all that well, but thankfully they can just follow the lights on the car ahead. Ooh they are getting closer, that's easier to follow, how nice.
If the person tailgating had any spacial awareness, self preservation or general common sense then they wouldn't be tailgating. IME modifying your driving for a tailgater doesn't in any way help. Ignore them; speeding up increases the potential accident at stake, decreasing fuels their aggression.