Control People Behind

The techniques I discuss in this video can be applied to all motor vehicles and cyclists also, to keep you safer when people are close behind.
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[@chriselcombe847]

I love the irony that tailgaters think they are getting somewhere faster, but the fastest way to get somewhere is with smooth flow, which, consequentially, they lack.

[@weevilinabox]

The most surprising thing about this video is that, in over twenty minutes of driving, Ashley didn't encounter even one massively distracted or aggressive tailgater, or anyone responding to his control techniques with a risky overtake.

[@izzard]

I wonder if this was recorded after the general election result :D

[@Mrs-NWA-1]

The camera probably had something to do with it.....

[@nigelhughes2947]

Pop down to West Wales and the 20mph nightmare , aggressive tailgating on average every 5 cars following. Speeds in the 20mph somewhere between 15 and 40 so even more dangerous when pulling out .

[@chrisl1797]

I know, annoying isn't it. I've just been into town (1.5 mile round trip) to get my hair cut and found two tailgaters.....

[@sabni8668]

The rear cameras make things look farther away than they are

[@johnfh]

Good learning points as always. Most of the time I can say "but I do that", but from time to time I say "mmm, that's interesting". So after over 60 years of driving I can still pick up points.

[@JediCore]

as a motorcyclist I really hate when people follow me closely. The worst offenders are the L plate delivery riders. After watching your videos I have started to slow down if they keep riding my tail. But this gives more context and better techniques to deal with these people than just riding slowly. Great stuff!

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

It’s so important to control drivers behind you, many will try to bully you to move out of the way but have the confidence in yourself to know that you’re doing the right thing, like yesterday for example, I was driving home from work and even though the traffic light was on green I couldn’t go past the stop line as it was congested with stationary traffic and if I didn’t go forwards I’d be stopping on the yellow box junction which is illegal, the car behind me beeped their horn but I don’t care, I had the confidence in myself to sit behind the stop line as there was no where to go and I wouldn’t break the law and sit on a yellow box junction for anyone, also, last month, again I was driving home from work, I was approaching the 1 lane roundabout in my town and I wanted to take the 2nd exit which is straight ahead but I saw that my exit road wasn’t clear because there were 2 cars waiting at the red traffic light and if I sat behind them I’d be blocking the roundabout preventing flow for others wishing to use the roundabout so I didn’t enter the roundabout until my exit road started to move, the car behind me waved their hands in the air and beeped but I just ignored them because I had the confidence in myself to know that I was doing the correct thing, in situations like this never look at the other driver and never retaliate as you never know what kind of person you’re messing with, they could be a complete nutter for all you know, always remember, a bad driver thinks of best flow for themselves, a good driver thinks of best flow for others.

[@chrisl1797]

Brilliant comment.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

Thank you so much mate. 🙃

[@derekheeps1244]

It is COMPLETELY ILLEGAL to try to control other road users - civilians have NO AUTHORITY to do that and can be charged with careless or dangerous driving , or obstruction ; the vehicle behind could be on an emergency journey and you could be charged with obstruction .

[@chrisl1797]

@@derekheeps1244 but if they had blocked the roundabout instead would they not be trying to control traffic exiting from the other exits they have blocked?

[@chrisl1797]

@@WayneTulip-zm9gw My pleasure. Nice to read a well thought out comment instead of the usual rubbish spouted on Ashley's videos.

[@Davidpa79]

I've been driving since the late 90s and still learn from your videos. Thank you Ashley.

[@laceandwhisky]

My driving improved and calmer and I started driving mid seventies 😊

[@DemiGod..]

Passed my test long ago when was a teenager but just sat the test for fun as was into motorbikes. Got my first car though in 2021, sat and passed the IAM advanced car test without any advanced car lessons by adapting my advanced motorcycle training to a car, and studying the Advanced Police Driving Manual. The examiner said that he could tell that I hadn't had any lessons as took my hand off the wheel to indicate, something he said an instructor would have sorted out immediately.

[@clivewilliams3661]

Every day is a learning day on the road and discussion with well-informed people always adds to the knowledge. Its not just Ashley's video that is informative but the comments arising as well.

[@ashley_neal]

Hear hear about the comments. We have a well informed bunch in this community!!

[@R04drunner1]

​@@DemiGod..congratulations on passing the Advanced Test. I did the same: I didn't take instruction but I read several editions of Roadcraft cover to cover. I passed, but I used the horn on blind corners several times. Examiner commented that he'd never had a student who did that. It was a trick I'd picked up from a very old edition of Roadcraft!

[@chrisl1797]

12:21 one thing I notice is that often times the gap I leave to the car in front (up to a point) is the same size the car behind leaves me. Not always, but often enough to be noticed. Leave more room in front and often the driver behind copycats that gap. Close up and you'll find they may do too.

[@swanronson173]

Excellent as always Ashley! On the subject of smoother/gentler braking and acceleration being better for brake wear and fuel economy, I always keep in mind something Martin Lewis said : Think of the pedals as money pumps, the harder you press down the more it costs you.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

That's a good one, I'll have to remember that..!

[@smilerbob]

Even if someone is following at a “good” distance, keep an eye on them as they could be distracted. Fiddling with a phone, infotainment system or talking to a passenger while looking at them and not the road. If I see any signs of distraction, I treat them the same as a tailgater and increase my distance to the vehicle in front as a precaution

[@EinkOLED]

But then you are also distracted by the car behind.

[@smilerbob]

@@EinkOLED Not if you notice it doing normal mirror checks rather than fixate on them. You can then manage speed and space to suit without being distracted 👍

[@sirparkinson]

Lots of drivers seem to forget about mirror checks..... And speedometer checks...

[@ianmason.]

One thing I also look for behind is people with a single hand at 12 O'clock on the steering wheel (like the Jag at 13:43). Not distracted, but I often find it goes with a certain type of driver that's likely to do sudden and aggressive moves like a last moment fast swerve for an overtake..

[@R04drunner1]

​@@ianmason. Great point. Also their position of the hand on top of the steering wheel means it is more difficult to feed in a progressive turn. They tend to put a lot of steering wheel movement on at the start of the turn, which unsettles the car. Best to keep movement deliberate, progressive and gentle - like Ashley does - rather than sudden movements.

[@johncooper8040]

Control the vehicle behind, gradual braking etc. I first heard on a driver training course years ago. Thanks for the refresher.

[@derekheeps1244]

Civilians have no authority to control other road users .

[@johnshaw702]

Weird how when you are doing a lesson on how to deal with tailgaters everyone behaved perfectly :)

[@steve5772]

Guessing he hadn't got the roof box on

[@JakobusVdL]

Not a bad thing. I'd say that getting tailgated is an occasional hazard rather than every drive, is it that way where you live?

[@robertlaw.]

Great tips thanks. I've had to work on this while driving in France. Tailgating is prolific and at higher motorway speeds. Remaining calm and remembering you're doing nothing wrong is a skill in itself.

[@clivewilliams3661]

Many years ago I was driving on a two lane German Autobahn and cruising at around 80mph when we were coming up to a crawler lane (Kriechspur) with trucks crawling up the hill. Once in these lanes you are not allowed out until it finishes so I moved into the empty second lane accelerating to 85-90mph. Within seconds I had a Porsche bearing down on me with lights ablaze followed by a BMW within a car length doing around 150mph. I couldn't accelerate any harder due to the hill and the load we had and we couldn't give up and enter the crawler lane because the trucks were nose to tail travelling at 10-15mph. We ended up having the Porsche and the BMW tailgating us for at least 2-3miles. Cope with that when you have no options!

[@ElToro2000UK]

On dual carriageways in Essex, people seem to drive more aggressively, tailgating and applying their brakes when if they held back (Using the 2 second rule) they would be able to adjust their speed, not using their brakes, but by easing off the gas at the appropriate times.

[@rossmurrayfam1568]

Great Video Ashley When I First passed my driving test I was Nervous, Had A car tailgate me (also thought I couldnt slow down), and I tried to speed away from them, at the traffic lights suddenly changed to red the car behind almost rear ended me, ive got more experience now, and realised I caused that situation, if someone tailgates me now i just ignore them and pretemd there not even behind it helps, i brake early, they usually get fed up and go around, and i have come to terms that to never acclerate away from a bad situation, instead try to control it, there are times that ive been annoyed at people driving soo close, but I dont let bully lorry drivers, and car drivers pressure me anymore, great in depth video I Really enjoyed it loved the example near the emd of the video, with speeding up to the roundabout, slow down and approach gently is always key, thankyouu.

[@des_smith7658]

Tilt your mirror down until they've gone away

[@roxdude]

Not so long ago this was the advice i gave to a comment on another of your videos and hopefully it helps them understand and accept that their is something you can do to control others when needed..

[@patrickbourke2385]

This concept has been the most helpful for me out of all your videos. 'have I been seen' is number two

[@Denali1600]

Tailgating is my main bugbear on the roads, it just makes no sense. Allowing yourself at least a 2 second gap makes you smoother, makes planning easier, gives you better visibility of hazards, reduces stress on the driver in front, etc. I observed one yesterday, he was in front of me following another car. Over about 3 miles of country a-roads he's always around no more than 1 second behind the car he's tailgating, but over the course of those 3 miles he touched his brakes around 30-40 times. I'm sat 2 or 3 seconds behind him and on that section of road I braked a couple of times at most as I just flowed through the turns.

[@R04drunner1]

Great video Ashley! Observation and planning. Also, hanging back means: 1) You have better visibility around the vehicle in front of you. 2) If the vehicle in front is an HGV or Van, the driver has more chance of seeing you.

[@Attaccabottoni]

People vastly understimate just how much is involved with driving. Your commentary on this video is clear evidence of thought processes that people SHOULD be going through, Nice work! Glad to hear you mention larger vehicles (allbeit briefly), people seem to think that they can brake and manouver in the same manner as a car (which, to me is quite frankly astounding). Not to mention blind spots and turning circles!! The way some people treat buses, lorries and coaches is quite frankly appaling and it all goes back to that "me first" hurry hurry hurry mindset. I learned to relax with my driving at 18 after rolling my car at 60 mph. enough of a lesson there! after that incident i went on to do skid pan courses (highly reccommend for new drivers! they are not just for fun!) and some moderate advanced driving. this opened my eyes to the world of driving as it should be rather than the hollywood drive with one hand at the top of the wheel and speeding everywhere mentality. Twenty years later and i'm driving bigger vehicles with passengers where i have to think about their comfort as well as everyones safety and vehicle economy. As well as having to deal with utter idiots on the road. If only everyone watched your videos Ashley...

[@R04drunner1]

100% nice one. Glad you used the life lesson.

[@jpldriver]

Yes, you're right. Think with the other driver,and consider how your actions affect other road users, never enters the mind of most road users. It's all about them! It's how they can get to destination,and damn everyone else!

[@Attaccabottoni]

@@R04drunner1 Life is full of lessons! If you don't learn the lesson you repeat it. Once you learn the lesson and get the gift, it's onto the next lesson. We live in an electric universe that is a fractal multidimensional reality, experiencing it through our bio-electric supercomputer ariels. I am grateful for the recognition 📿 My hope is that other young lad drivers can do the same.

[@Attaccabottoni]

@@jpldriver Yes exactly! Unfortunately our ego driven society does not yet teach depth of thought or character. I have faith that things will change though. The fact of Ashley and his videos and the views and comments are a testament to the change happenning.

[@CasvGl]

Hey Ashley, loving these kind of videos. I was in a small accident 3 weeks ago where I was rear ended while stopped at a traffic light. Luckily not much damage and no injuries. However I do see that I am looking a lot more behind me to see what they are doing. This is definitely going to help with that fear-like feeling when someone is close behind and I am having to slow down. Thanks Ashley!

[@kenbrown2808]

the "race to the stop and brake hard" driving habit is not a beneficial habit even without people behind. however, here, I alsop run into people with the opposite mentality: they will come to a near stop way before the stop line, and then creep up to the line. the issue with that, is at that point, you're not coasting - you're powering forward in your lowest gear, which is an inefficient use of fuel. addendum: ashley talked about slowing and creeping after I wrote this - bear in mind, there is a difference between coasting to the line, and slowing too much and needing to power up to the line.

[@hamshackleton]

I used to have a sticker in the back window that read - "The closer you get - the slower I go".

[@marcwaller3657]

The trouble with doing that is, if it's a busy single lane carriageway, you end up with a queue of cars behind who you're slowing up too through no fault of their own. I once got stuck behind someone doing this on that type of road because the person in front decided they needed to go as slowly as possible to "teach the tailgater a lesson". This resulted in a queue of cars all doing 15mph on national speed limit single carriageway A road. The other side was busy so over taking wasn't an option.

[@JohnR31415]

@@marcwaller3657or they went slowly enough that they felt safe. If the tailgater hadn’t managed to overtake them it’s clear that there was very limited view and space - so the person in front needs at least two people’s braking space.

[@CrocusPocus]

the best back window sticker ive seen is "Your so close you might as well get in" love it!

[@ianmason.]

@@marcwaller3657 The mentality is *_not_* "teach the tailgater a lesson" it is "creating a safe stopping gap for me *_and_* for the idiot tailgating me". I'm all for not inconveniencing the vehicles behind me, but damn that if it's going to compromise my safety and the safety of other people on the road around me.

[@Wolfy11188]

@@ianmason. Surely if you were THAT concerned for your safety you'd pull over and let the person behind you get in front. That is afterall the safest way around it. People love to mask what they do as being for their own safety when in reality anything other than allowing them past is always going to be more dangerous than not allowing it to happen. This has been said time and time again even in Ashley's videos, if the danger is in front then you are in control of your safety.

[@unsafevelocities5687]

This is probably the number one thing that has improved my driving since watching this channel, so I'm glad Ashley has made a dedicated video about it. I used to try and dive out of the way without properly realising it.

[@clivewilliams3661]

The examples here are very limited because they are shown on urban roads during the off peak period. There are other equally important and different scenarios that deserve discussion{ 1) Peak time traffic in urban areas where tailgating is commonplace; 2) Motorways at peak times, where even if you have managed to create a 2 second gap it is invariably filled in an instant. Outer lane tailgating is a real issue, where even just the moderation of speed can cause emergency braking further down the queue. 3) Rural roads where tailgating occurs much less frequently but when it does its a big issue. Slowing to encourage the following car to pass can only be carried out where they have sufficient space to do so safely and that can be miles ahead and in the meantime a dangerous situation prevails

[@davidstevens-251]

Just watching the driver in the Jeep behind, and they really want to get ahead of you. As a note, when I was driving, especially on motorways and dual carriageways, I would always indicate for turning off at the 300 yd indicator, and never once applied the brakes at the last second.

[@derekheeps1244]

If you maintain your speed at the limit until you have entered the deceleration lane , as you should , there is no need for any signal to flooding traffic : you have not impeded them in any way .

[@hicky62]

When I first passed my test, I used to borrow my dads car. The front brake pads needed replacing after a few months and I had to replace them (not a big issue as I was an apprentice mechanic). He made me buy the new pads, as these had worn out in a third of the millage of the previous set, and he aid it was because I braked heavier and later than him. From then on, I've always tried to drive with more anticipation. His advice has certainly saved me money.

[@user-js5ly2wx4l]

Great video! I've been driving for 20 years without any accidents but always something you can learn to do better

[@DaveHines1]

Quite a good analogy with martial arts , You are not trying to physically control your partner/attacker , you control yourself ,and that is what affects the partner 😃

[@philipsmith9688]

I try to add this to my driving everyday, probably in the day more than the night due to how busy roads are

[@smilerbob]

It is a fine line between managing the space in front and not poking “the angry bear” behind and a subject I have spoken about with a family member. They deal with tailgaters by slowing and keep slowing even to the point they are doing 15mph in a 40 zone and then accelerate if the tailgater tries to overtake. I have said that by slowing to that speed you are saying “Please pass me” but they don’t get it 🤷🏻‍♂️ I double, sometimes treble, the gap to the car in front but still maintain speed. Slowing a little as risk increases but not to the point of me being the biggest danger I shall watch the video shortly once breakfast is made with a cuppa

[@Viken43]

Because they are on their phone!

[@thecrispymaster]

The thing with increasing space in front, especially on like a motorway, is that you don't even to decrease your speed by much for long before you've created a couple of cars distance ahead. So I personally can't relate to this idea that creating space in front is somehow "holding people up" unless going 3mph less than the speed limit for a few seconds is really a disastrous delay for you. In which case maybe plan your journeys better?

[@goodyeoman4534]

The way to manage that fine line is to stick to the speed limit, or lower depending on road conditions, and by not engaging with the tailgater at all. That way they have no excuse at all and can't lie and say you provoked them. Naturally, they will still feel they are the victim and the world is against them.

[@TheCatBilbo]

That's going to cause frustration, if not a road rage incident! Stopping someone from overtaking will probably anger even a moderate driver. Plus, 'jousting' is potentially dangerous as both drivers tend to fixate on each other, not everything else. They certainly need educating.

[@lloydgriffiths1847]

I started trying to do things like leaving enough space to creep so I don’t come to a stop and thinking about leaving a safe space from the vehicle in front and being aware of where cars are/where they’re going because of your videos Ashley

[@PedroConejo1939]

You have no idea how apropos this is. I got rear-ended stopping for a pedestrian who was crossing the road on the exit to a roundabout this week. I didn't think I pulled up quickly, but the bloke behind still didn't expect it. He'd been fine before and on the roundabout, but failed to spot the hazard of either me or the pedestrian. To be honest, it was a good job I was there because otherwise, he might have clobbered the pedestrian, who by the time I stopped was well into the middle of the road. No damage, no injury, just a love tap. I'm now spending the next few weeks navel gazing, pondering what I could have done better.

[@R04drunner1]

Probably not a lot you could have done. Driver behind was not paying attention. One option: sound the horn. That can break people out of their zoned out state and it would be audible to the guy behind you. It would also warn the pedestrian. Second choice: flash hazard lights. Less noticeable but it is a signal that can be used on a motorway if there is a hazard up ahead so Mr Zoned Out might get the message. But thinking of those in the moment would have been a challenge.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@R04drunner1 Thanks. I don't think the horn was an option because of the youth crossing the road. The gap between me stopping and the other bloke was less than 2 seconds, so not a lot of time to think about the risk.

[@derekheeps1244]

That is why you should NEVER stop in such a stupid place ; if you had kept going , the pedestrian would not have walked out and all would have been well - you are entirely at fault for this incident .

[@derekheeps1244]

@@PedroConejo1939 This is stupid and dangerous advice ; far too many roundabouts are now designed with no visibility across them ; if you see a pedestrian thinking of crossing , give them a horn warning - do not risk a rear end collision which might shunt you into them anyway - I would not stop in such a place under any circumstances .

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@derekheeps1244 Can I ask, if there is queuing traffic on the exit of the roundabout do you still take the line that "you should NEVER stop in such a stupid place"? Learn some grammar; "was crossing", that is, in the process of crossing. If I had kept going as you recommend, the pedestrian would have been under or over my car. Of course, that is what you'd do; we're used to your mindless contributions here. As usual, you're talking mindless nonsense, but keenly attributing blame.

[@eddyrourke5514]

Excellent point about braking early and gradual, this is a really basic thing that so many do not do. You see this so much on motorways with vehicles continuing to accelerate and closing down on the vehicle in front only then to brake harshly at the last minuet. I would be interested to know how many accidents and traffic jams this ridiculous behavior causes.

[@smilerbob]

Traffic jams can be caused by even the gentlest of braking as the vehicle behind, if travelling too close, will brake slightly harder and so on moving backards through the traffic, until eventually you reach a point where traffic stops. It is a weird phenomenon and is often referred to as a phantom traffic jam or a backward traffic wave Various sites discuss this and there are some videos on the subject as well Looking at most accidents I have witnessed on the roads, I would say a fair few are caused by late braking conbined with following too close…but that is anecdotal based upon my own experience and witness not any studies or research 👍

[@TheCatBilbo]

I find keeping a proper stopping distance helps: so often backing off the gas is enough - the gap closes but opens again as they accelerate. I see drivers close the gap & then having to brake, over & over again. I'm sat thinking "Just drop back a bit, you wouldn't have to!".

[@ianmason.]

@@smilerbob You don't even have to brake harshly to start that sort of wave propagating back through the traffic. Mindful of something Ashley had to say about actively using brake lights as a _signal_ I started just touching the brakes enough to light the brake lights when traffic ahead was braking but I only really needed to roll off the throttle, so that drivers behind who couldn't see the the brake lights ahead would get some information. So I've been _very_ gently decelerating, signalling with my brake lights and still seen that braking pulse propagate backwards through the traffic behind me.

[@derekheeps1244]

" only then to brake harshly at the last minuet." .... do that in the wet and it may be the last Waltz instead .

[@jpldriver]

In the righthand lane on motorways everyone tailgates,it's pathetic!

[@crazyedits50]

Im RoSPA level 2 and 3 trained and love uour videos and techniques. I get my youngest son to watch as hes learning to drive to give him another perspective than just mine .

[@mattwuk]

Having driven and rode for over 30 years and given the state of driving standards today I always create what I call a fire break in front of me now, not a massive gap but enough to give myself a relatively gentle brake space to accommodate clowns both behind and around.

[@mattwuk]

On the saving fuel and brakes point, I just can't understand why people actively razz up to red lights and junctions to slam on.

[@J1mston]

As you say, it may be their fault if they go into the back of you but you’ll have to deal with insurance, you’ll have to put up with increased premiums, you’ll have to get your car fixed or get a new one and you may have to deal with things like back pain, whiplash, broken bones etc that could be chronic. Why risk dealing with all that if a slight change in driving could significantly reduce that risk? Great video, Ashley. Cheers for something to think about.

[@R04drunner1]

Great points!

[@ianmason.]

Hear hear. Thankfully, I haven't had to deal with an insurance claim in nearly 30 years but I remember the hassle, inconvenience and being out of pocket involved and that was just for a parked car being stolen.

[@BleachDemon99]

Magnet on the tank loaded with CV joint ball bearings…..over the shoulder, autoglass repair autoglass replace. Joking 😇

[@BleachDemon99]

I bet you sang the words Autoglass repair autoglass replace…..

[@smilerbob]

Nails and screws work better for a makeshift stinger 😉 Just remember to use a different road for a few days afterwards… (Joking as well)

[@laceandwhisky]

Even better broke spark plug porcelain, it shatters windscreens 😊

[@ashley_neal]

Wow! Some of my viewers really have to control their temper, don't they! (no different than me to be honest)

[@BleachDemon99]

@@ashley_neal we all playing, we’re just thinking out loud, that’s all 😇

[@leeholden8658]

Love these types of videos and I like to think that my 28 months of safe driving is down to what I’ve learned from your videos. I do a lot of what you’re saying and doing in my driving. I really appreciate what I’ve learned from you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@roadrunner708]

All good to know thanks. Try driving a classic Mini like mine, it’s terrifying how close some cars get and how many want to get in front of my 10ft long 1960s relic even though I’m driving at the speed limit.

[@madmick9205]

Great teaching as always. I was tailgated on quite a fast road last night. I was watching out for deer, so slowed it down. Thing is my partner was the passenger and she found the tailgater intimidating. I mean, he was really close. I just slowed it down a bit, giving the driver more time in case I had to brake hard. I have learned to keep my space and space awareness. But definitely learned more today.

[@Tibialstone7]

Ashley I can’t thank you enough for all these videos. Even being a more experienced driver, I still learn so many tips from watching you. You are making our roads safer.

[@iallso1]

10:16 a motorcycle instructor I was listening to was discussing tailgating and the two second rule. He suggested that if the vehicle behind is less than two seconds you need to open the gap to the vehicle in front proportionally, maintaining the 4 second gap between the 3 vehicles. Not only are you giving the vehicle behind greater distance in which to stop if required, you are giving space for them to overtake if they wish, making the tailgating someone else's problem and not that of the more vulnerable motorcyclist.

[@matthewsmith1162]

Another really useful video from Ashley. Great to know that there is a degree of control over drivers following too closely behind. I can also empathise with the pressured mindset of having someone behind when you're looking for a gap to pull into when coming from a side junction or at a roundabout. Lots of tips here that I will try next time I am out and about.

[@somerandomgamer1189]

great video ash! ill be applying this is my driving

[@matthewsibley8942]

Cheers Ashley, It always puts the willies up me when someone is really close in behind. I always try to brake and singal earlier and adjust what I am doing when people are close. Drilled into my head during my lessons. Had a situation earlier when i got flashed from a impatient BMW behind me, long line of parked cars on the other side of the road but being the lead car I spotted the polo that had already comitted coming the other way and hung back. People are just too impatient.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Anticipation and Awareness - two excellent traits that are lacking all too often. Cracking upload, Ash.

[@TheCatBilbo]

On the A66 yesterday - in a merge in turn situation, I had a driver behind who insisted on getting really close even though they couldn't get past. A few times I was expecting a bump. Then, a people carrier ahead who was about a metre behind an HGV, even when we gained speed. I'm sure the HGV driver couldn't see them at all!

[@grimsbyhackney479]

It's called linear field of vision. I personally would prefer that dashcams had this as a potential setting. On my KZbin channel, about the roads and history of my town, I use a phone camera which gives that view and find it more pleasing to watch.

[@keithdenton8386]

You have an advantage, a horrible coloured car. I noticed when I had a terrible yucky coloured car people would give me a lot more room. Probably the shock as it stands out like a neon beacon.

[@Landrassa1]

Just like in nature, bright colours imply you might be better off looking for easier prey elsewhere.

[@arcturus6688]

I very much enjoy these videos, always something to learn or re-learn. 9-year license holder - 2010 Corsa VXR

[@SurgeDashcam]

I feel like tailgating and inpatient driving is getting much worse. Every time I go out driving now, someone gets up right behind me, sometimes so close that I can't even see their headlights. I'm always having to adjust ny driving to try to prevent someone going into the back of me.

[@goodyeoman4534]

I'd say it's worse in certain areas. Part of the new me me me mentality where no one is ever to blame and is too important to be delayed for one second.

[@Landrassa1]

If it happens once, you're dealing with an asshole. If it happens constantly, you're either surrounded by assholes or your own driving may be contributing to people behaving this way.

[@SurgeDashcam]

@@Landrassa1 The thing is, it's not like I'm driving slow. I could be going over the speed limit and people still love to try to sit on my bumper. I think my area just attracts them

[@kenw394]

Another informative video Ashley. I particularly enjoyed the way you managed to get the lorry driver to understand your slight displeasure at his following distance. By using early and smooth braking leading up to the queue ahead. Which in turn altered his behaviour realising he wasn’t going to get you to speed up, and as you said saved him a little fuel into the bargain.😊

[@KG-ie5le]

I really enjoyed that video as always your context is excellent.

[@ukusapatriot327]

Several years ago I was driving in Florida, saw a 'bumper sticker' with the words, "My AR15 is better at close range", saw another which read, "Keep 'honking', I'm reloading". About the same time we had some 'bumper stickers' in the UK that read, "Watch my rear, not hers". Although these days that wouldn't be PC, but probably better than the, "The closer you get, the slower I go".

[@alexevans9379]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@jeremyashford2145]

My logic for slowing down a tailgater has always been to travel at the correct speed for the gap they following at, the closer the gap, the lower the speed. They usually either back off or bugger off, doesn't concern me which.

[@adrianstreet8330]

I do the things you're talking about Ashley. It was the way I was taught 30+ yrs ago. Also smooth progressive braking coupled with observation and planning as you said go together most necessary for a nice ride for passengers. This is drummed in to us in training for PCV licence. My career for 20yrs.

[@MVS501]

Fantastic video my friend, unbeknown to myself i’ve been doing the early smooth slow when being tail gated to leave room in front to “escape” into but stopped doing because my partner kept chewing my ear about not pulling straight up behind stationary or slow traffic, i’ll get her to watch this because as always with your videos they’re very educational 👍👍

[@jameshoward2738]

Problem is in the way it's often phrased I think. People say if you have someone tailgating behind you, then "slow down". Slowing down (say from 40mph down to 30mph), is just going to escalate the situation. Maybe they're close because they're innatentive, but maybe they're 4 aggresive gansters in a stolen RS4. The trick is not to just slow down your cruising speed, but to make sure you're looking far enough ahead and advance your braking point for things such that you slow a bit more gently. If you get hit from behind, assuming both drivers are insured, you'll find it doesn't really matter who was deemed at fault by insurance. The other drivers insurance will pay for the repair of your car (which will be inconvenient to deal with and the car will never be the same). Then you'll both pay increased insurance premiums for 5 years.

[@bjthedjdutchdude1992]

I ran a yellow yesterday because a motorcyclist was tailgating. There was a speed camera for red light and speed limit. So if the notice ever comes in on the date, I'll take my rear and front dashcam recording into court. Because it was unsafe to stop. The light did new change to red on dashcam view.

[@thomaselliot2257]

Although you were giving good advice as always, it's a pity you didn't have any strong examples of bad drivers behind you to demonstrate your points, apart from the truck driver at the end, though, which was a potential foe, until you were able to control , and you showed how you could give even the driver of a large vehicle the message to keep his distance.

[@kenbrown2808]

"nobody;' been tailgating me. maybe I should have left the roof box on." classic subtle shade.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

24:21 That wind turbine looks ridiculous on dashcam. Its arms look like they're sticking and un-sticking very suddenly.

[@daves-music]

Excellent demo drive, Ashley🙂

[@ianmason.]

With the lorry driver who "got the message" from 23:00 onward, if you've got someone like him (who initially closed the gap that little bit too quickly) you can control them by, when you have a legitimate need to slow _and_ have the space to do it safely, being initially _deliberately_ just a little more forceful that you strictly need to be in how you brake. I find if I do that, 9 times out of 10 the driver behind will get the message and improve their distance and smoothness of braking from that point onward. It's important to only ever try that if you have plenty of space in front of you so that you have loads of time to back off the braking if they don't respond to it. It's much better to try and send a message by being slightly harsh in your braking when you don't need to, than to let the situation continue so that if something truly unpredictable happens and you _need_ to brake harshly you find yourself in trouble from behind.

[@R04drunner1]

Good point. Be careful not to provoke panic braking behind you though.

[@ianmason.]

@@R04drunner1 Yeah, the trick is _just a little_ more brake pressure than you'd need for a nice slow controlled brake. You just want a little brief increase in the rate of your deceleration and then immediately go back to "slowly and gently does it". Just enough to make you start growing in their visual field so they _perceive_ the "Ooo, getting closer, better back off".

[@ashley_neal]

Good quality comments and mindsets chaps 👊

[@BELIEVEINBUTTER]

top tip - if your changing your pads and discs every 30k miles, you're driving badly. I've driven over 80k with a single car, never had to change either. Read the road and coast to junctions

[@jpldriver]

You mean lifting off the throttle, not coasting!

[@chrisl1797]

8:41 slamming on and shooting off are the biggest causes of congestion. Often times (it may seem counter intuitive) I will effectively dawdle between lights and after a motorway hold up. Going slowly between lights (imho) means that there is less chance of people running into the junction and causing a blockage as everyone else behind me is going slowly through the previous junction and I am creating a gap so that just the right amount of people clear the previous for the space available before the latter (hope that makes sense). Similarly pulling slowly away from holdups (not highway peoples with guns) on the motorway decreases the likely hood of a secondary hold up due to people getting too close andnhaving to stop again. Slowly and smoothly. As Stirling Moss would say, treat the car like a pretty lady you are out on a romantic date with.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

10:30 in the left hand lane there are hatched markings surrounded by a solid white line, as per Highway Code rule 130, of areas of hatched markings are surrounded by a solid white line you must not enter the area except for in an emergency, I wonder how many drivers would enter that area, I’m guessing probably quite a lot.

[@JakobusVdL]

That turned into a smooth driving techniques video - not wasted

[@f-godz3342]

I deal with tailgaters differently. I brake late and firm because I fancy going on a disney cruise. A tailgater will pay for me sooner or later.

[@TestGearJunkie.]

I have a sticker on the back of my car - "The closer you get, the slower I go..!"

[@Joost.]

Be sure that when you are being tailgated you dont focus completely on the one behind. Thats how I got into a car crash myself. The cars in front had to do an emergency brake, but because I was being tailgated I started checking behind right when I saw the brake lights in front. By the time I looked back to the front I noticed that car was almost completely stopped. I smashed my brakes as hard as I could and tried to turn away but still hit them dead center with the front right of my car. You can make out of that situation that I was following too close myself, I wasn't really close (definitely more then 2 seconds, I never tailgate) but I guess I didnt manage my space in time.

[@kenbrown2808]

it bears mentioning there is a critical difference between building a safe braking distance ahead, and telling off a person behind. if you are slowing to tell off the person behind, expect them to crowd closer to tell you off. and for the love of god, pick a speed and stay close to it. 90% of the time I find myself following too close, it's because the motorist ahead won't maintain a steady speed, so I overrun them when they start dropping speed. as I've said before, I like to run on cruise control. on a good day, I can run 20 miles without needing to press a pedal. on a bad day, I can run about 30 feet before I have to make an abrupt speed change.

[@vulcanvoyager]

Quite like your "Friend or Foe" Ashley, I normally use "Safe or Unsafe."

[@des_smith7658]

Having a tow ball fitted keeps people wary of getting too close

[@afitzsimons]

Holding back to get a better view is what I said a couple of weeks ago and you said that I was wrong! Unless you did not understand the point I was making.

[@t2t433]

As someone who cycles people who tailgate can be nerve-wracking. As they also sit right beside my back wheel then try to bully you out of the way then if you don't move over etc, they shout, scream or blast their horn. Funny thing is if i turn to look at them most (but not all) will back off when they realise that i know that they are there. Also alot of people tailgate when i am signalling to turn right then shoot past. The amount of times i have missed my turning because people don't think, see or care about other road users is unbelievable.

[@platypushatstand]

Do I do that? Yes, both driving (since 21 in 1992) and cycling (my Brompton has a bar-end rear view mirror as well, the best £20 accessory I’ve ever bought: a Mountain Mirrcycle). When cycling on winding roads, if I can aid the driver behind to pass me (ie I can see what’s around the next bend before they can) I’ll do it. I’d like to use the word ‘safely’ but that’s very subjective to the driver(s) in question. I will also take priority for my own safety in so-called ‘pinch points’: bollards on small concrete plinths that allow pedestrian crossing points on busier roads, and ride like a motorcyclist to prevent lazy idiots accelerating to get through before, though mostly with me and them loading complaining “oh I could’ve made that”. Accentuated wobbling also occasionally helps. Once in 2019, dry November afternoon but with strong low sunlight and slow-moving congested traffic on the M25, I had an HGV gaining on me in lane 1, keeping a safe distance forward speed is 20mph maximum and any speed lower so long as it’s rolling where possible. HGV did what I was dreading, got so close to me that he wouldn’t be able to see my car if he looked down and if I was braking and/or slowing down, ie he wouldn’t be able to see my brake lights (3rd light inc). The answer: I trod (long blast) on the horn. Bingo! Problem solved. Afterwards, he checked his distance to me.

[@Strider9655]

People trying to control others is IMO one of the biggest causes of road rage, and I don't mean sensible control, I mean the deliberate passive-aggressive stuff that people do.

[@roxdude]

That's mainly because they don't control the situation they inflame it by brake checking. Or driving way to slow. To prove a point and teach others a supposed lesson..

[@Strider9655]

@@roxdude I wish it was just that, but some people just want to cause agro. It's like to day I got a little lost on my way to a sport centre, went down a residential, passed an oncoming car, realised it was the wrong road, made a hurried but safe u turn, caught the other car and as soon they saw me behind them they slow right the way down, 20 in a 40, then we get to a roundabout with two lanes, they pick the lane I want (right to go right), then they proceed to delay at the entrance to the roundabout for about 2 minutes, before taking the 2nd exit (left). They'd seen that I was in a hurry (but not taegating or anything) and they'd made it their mission to be obstructive.

[@roxdude]

@@Strider9655 Perception is very different from person to person. How you actually perceive they think you was in a hurry you don't actually know. We just make assumptions we all do it, but I do know when I am late or delayed then everyone seems to be going out of their way to make me later. It's sods law.. You can guarantee that the main road at the end of my street there's never a gap to get out.. yet when I'm not on a timer it's clear. It just is what it is... I have a little giggle now about it but in the past I'd let it stress me... But in the grand scheme it makes very little difference... Once you realise that you're the one stressing yourself out it's a game changer.

[@derekheeps1244]

It is , quite simply , illegal . ONE touch of the brakes to let a following driver know you are unhappy is fine , repeated or aggressive braking will get YOU in trouble , unless the other party was free to overtake ; otherwise , just let them pass and then they will be gone .

[@derekheeps1244]

@@Strider9655 Or so it seemed to you .

[@yutman4532]

I love the cars that try to intimidate lorries. They tailgate thinking the Lorry will some how drive faster. When the lorry driver stops and gets out of the cab the car is still sat there totally unaware of whats going on because there to close. I always work on the rule more distance equals more time to react, easier to overtake because your able to obtain speed before the overtake and better visibility,

[@barneyrubble1964]

One of the biggest problems in London is now that 20 mph being the limit in more of London's streets there is an increasing amount of tailgating. I think they also look at my car (A 1ltr Pia Picanto) and think it is going to be slow rather than nippy, which it is. Indeed often if I can see a vehicle position themselves so that they can beat me off the lights I let them, it is just not worth arguing the point. Other times if someone is up my back all the time I am thinking what I will be doing in future and potentially pull over and let them pass. Of course being an older and more experienced driver I've no problem with keeping to 20mph, and it gives me more time to react, in a city you have to react to many people not always doing the sensible thing.

[@highdownmartin]

If someone is taking your safe space up behind, then you have to compensate by leaving more space in front of you. Not particularly slowing down just growing the gap.

[@chrisprintall1408]

I remember seeing a car at a junction waiting behind the white line to my right for a space ahead of it to move across a box junction being bullied by the car behind it honking it's horn to make it move forward. After a period of being bullied the car moved nervously forward bit by bit & did give way to the horrible bullying.

[@davidhaslam1056]

Those sunglasses won't do much on top of your head 😅 I've found the best sunglasses for driving or anything really are ' eagle eye sunglasses'. Amazing. Shame there abit expensive and the best styles are on the US website. 😎

[@johnkeepin7527]

A useful presentation. It was interesting to see that you had set up the rear view camera to be roughly like our normal eyesight, i.e. not “wide angle”. No doubt similar to the internal rear view mirror, while most modern external ones are wide angle.

[@haz_raf]

Very good. I think a nice addition would be speed on screen too to see how you control your speed during various situations.

[@busog97641]

I could watch this type of video, almost all day long... of course with a few wee breaks 😅

[@JesusLovesYou-nd1rz]

I will admit I can get nervous when somebody tailgates aggressively. I do manage to deal with them in most cases, but it can get stressful. If they knew how pointless it is, they'd see that's not worth the risk.

[@iallso1]

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV I drive at work displays the brake lights when I lift off the accelerator, it also indicates that the brake lights have come on on the dash. As I use the single pedal driving mode most of the time I'm in the vehicle, it is reassuring to know that this warning is being displayed to the drivers following.

[@AUaudits]

I have big problems with tailgaters & considered lesson with you.

[@AsahelFrost]

Do you think that the drivers of Liverpool are learning that whenever they see a bright green Ford Focus ST, they should slow down and behave themselves?

[@R04drunner1]

Excellent 😂 Ashley Neal, the one man mobile traffic calming zone.

[@chrisl1797]

I wondered today if there is a business case for organised trips to Liverpool to see if he can be spotted. You know like Dophin watching boat trips.

[@JeremyFoster-ve6kq]

Hey Ashley, is that rear dashcam a GoPro by any chance? They're notorious for overheating (the newer ones are rubbish); it might be worth getting a proper one in its place :-)

[@chrisl1797]

11:31 look how close the black car is behind the car behind Ashley. Way too close IMHO.

[@jacko2059]

A lot of people miss the point about owning a fast/nice car, you want the thrill every now and then, its not getting somewhere one or two car lengths ahead, there may only be one chance to over take before ruing a nice free open road ahead. So i have nudge out and have a look, but is seen as aggressive when its being safe. If people drove properly and at the correct speed there really wouldn't be much cause to over take I don't mind doing 60 on b roads at all! I don't want to take them at 120mph I just don't want to be stuck behind people being 'cautious' doing 40 in a 50 or 60 then doing 40 in a fricking village 30 anyway......and then they flash you when you do a perfect over take XDXD So I get punished for being a good driver basically to account for people who only see it as an A to B chore and don't have good common sense driving. I don't tail gate, I sometimes remind people that they have gone from 50 down to 30 because they can't account for the road properly and aren't looking in their mirrors, but I'll back off safely for sure pretty rapidly I don't want my car hurt! If someone is tailgating consistently and angrily then yeah its not safe at all and that's different.

[@gravemind6536]

In rolling traffic I always set the tempo for peolpe behind me and its steady and avoid the constant cycle of accelerate and brake you can get in traffic which is no good for your car at all or anyone else it just slows things down and disturbs the flow. They might tailgate but the gap in front is so big it doesn't matter and they don't dare jump the line as they know everyone will hate them for it. In normal traffic you tailgate then I will let my foot off the accelerator and until they take the hint or overtake I will continue to slow down and drop gears if needed.

[@DemiGod..]

Good video. Personally though, not bothered about vehicles close behind as just one of the factors taken into account including other hazards while I drive. Was hit from behind though once by a car. Lights changed to amber, car behind was 2 seconds behind, but he got distracted by flashing lights. I came to a stop when lights hit red and put on the handbrake. He didnt notice I had stopped till the last second, tried to swerve slamming into the right corner of my car destroying he corner I was fine as car just shook due to handbrake being on even though he hit me at speed.

[@goodyeoman4534]

You can reduce the risk of that by paying attention to the car behind. You can usually tell if they are looking to jump the lights. And then slow down earlier than normal. They'll obviously cry and scream because you slowed down, but that's better than getting shunted.

[@WayneTulip-zm9gw]

20:38 Hi Ashley mate, if you don’t mind please could you make a video about overtaking on the left, I’m still trying to get my head around it, I’m still trying to understand why it’s not considered overtaking on the left if the vehicles are stationary like in the video.

[@Thomas_A_H]

Nice video! (more "foes" would have been nice though for the purpose of this video) One suggestion for 17:49 ... move a bit further forward so it is easier for the crane driver to see you. (Edit: especially as it says "for hire", so the driver might be less experienced if you hire it without a professional driver)

[@ashley_neal]

Disagree. Stay back so you can watch the driver in their mirror

[@Thomas_A_H]

@@ashley_neal If you were able to see the driver in the mirror, then all should be fine :) It didn't look like that from the camera's perspective.

[@RedPanda_______]

I would like to see more videos of this topic. Obviously can't be controlled but would like to see more tailgaters.

[@goodyeoman4534]

I had an HGV tailgate me for over ten minutes through Sheffield in slow moving traffic. It came up to within inches of my rear bumper at times. I was about to put my hazards on and get out to confront him but decided to just stay calm and send it into the police instead. Police weren't bothered and nothing was done. Wish I'd got out the car now. Still have the clip so can send it in if anyone wants to see it.

[@svetlanat3198]

you can sue them in court yourself with this evidence, just a bit of effort and time required

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@svetlanat3198 And expense, presumably?

[@darrenh1164]

Contact the company the driver works for if you have the details and send them a copy of the video clip

[@yutman4532]

This ia major problem. Near me there is an average speed stretch on the motorway at 50MPH. Even though all 3 lanes are flowing at exactly 50MPH the lorries still drive 10 feet from your bumper. You know they couldn't stop if they needed to. You slow down the gap then closes to 5 feet or they pull out to overtake and then spend the next 5 minutes driving parrallel unable to overtake . Once you clear the restriction everyone move of and the lorry is stuck in the middle lane slowing everyone else behind.

[@goodyeoman4534]

@@darrenh1164 I called them. They hung up on me lol.