How To Handle TAILGATERS

[@NinkeWestra]

Together with MC Rider & DDFM you're one of the best sources for motorcycle (safety) education on YT. None of that macho crap that's generally counter productive. Keep it up 👍

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks!

[@smiley50ish]

Totally agree

[@colette_447]

Yep i agree !!! These are my 3 go to's for the knowledge bombs 🙂

[@danw.3291]

Exactly Right & I watch all three....

[@NamesRjayz]

If you’re doing the speed limit in Australia, you’ll always get tailgaters and people overtaking + flipping you off. Funny thing is we both end up the same set of lights and I just split to the front of the line XD

[@MotoJitsu]

lol

[@Shahar_C]

Yup, same here in Israel. Max speed limit is more like a max speed recommendation.

[@hollandhollywood329]

Real.

[@crystallava5002]

you just don't understand why people do it... it's not just to be faster at that moment, it's to not be behind someone slow ;) we know we will probably be at the same light half the time, but at least we're not behind your slow annoying ass anymore :) there you go

[@NamesRjayz]

I do understand

[@arthurb8631]

Cartoon skills are off the charts!

[@MotoJitsu]

lol thanks!

[@leventertekin8398]

Hey FE, just wanted to tell you, this video might have saved my life I am a beginner. Couple months ago, one night I was on a 3 lane road. There are cars parked at the right side and I'm on thr right lane flowing with the traffic. This moron comes behind me and honks continuously while flashing highs on and off. Worst part was it was a twisty part of the road and I really wasn't confident on the bike. Instead of panicking or road raging, I completely ignored the idiot, kept calmand rode my own ride. Moron jumped lanes and sped of after a good 30 40 seconds of honking and flashing. Funny thing is, 5 minutes later he's behind me again doing the same thing. So I turned on my blinkers like a gentleman, switched lanes and sped up to put 4 5 cars between us. Went back home safe and sound. Thanks for all the videos. Keep 'em up. Your guidance can save lives. Much respect.

[@MotoJitsu]

Awesome to hear!!

[@petewilson6575]

As a new rider, one of the most shocking things to me is how many tailgaters I get - even more than when driving! Who would be so stupid to tailgate a motorbike, especially one with an L plate? Apparently, lots of people. Anyway, it is what it is. Thanks for your excellent tips on coping with this problem, and all your helpful videos

[@MotoJitsu]

👌🏼👌🏼

[@r4rq291]

Got my license last week, yesterday omw back home from school on my cb125r the roads were very wet and there were no cars yet an idiot on a peugot was stupidly close to me, it was stressing considering I was even above the speed limit and I just want to get home safely considering the pavement is wet, indeed the amount of tailgaters is insane

[@KristianKumpula]

Since we're on the topic of tailgating, I'm reminded of a particularly weird instance of tailgating that I want to share. I turned into a two lane and two way road and accelarated up to the rear of a queue of a few vehicles. Soon afterwards I notice my rearview mirror flashing because of a semi truck that's coming fast from behind me flashing its high beams, not slowing down until it's almost against my rear bumper, then stayed there and kept flashing its high beams. There's a whole list of reasons why I wasn't sure what the driver thought I was supposed to do and why they seemed to be so adamant about it. - They were far away when I turned into that road so I definitely didn't cut them off. - I was doing the speed limit of 80 km/h. - It was night time and very dark, so it wasn't reasonable to go much faster than the speed limit anyway, especially with a semi truck. - Semi trucks are not even allowed to go faster than 80 km/h on any public roads and they are all supposed to be limited to 85 km/h, and that one clearly was not. It seemed as though that driver thought I was required to let them not just to go over the speed limit of that road, but also to go over the speed limit of their vehicle. - There was no bus stop or other similar space by the side of the road where I could have pulled over to. - There was a queue of traffic in front of me so it's not like I could have gone any faster, and neither could have that semi truck even if I had gotten out of the way, however it is that the driver thought I was supposed to do that. Presumably by steering into the ditch. - I was going to take the very next right turn that was only about 1,3 kilometers away, so I was going to be getting out of their way pretty soon, but judging by what happened next, that still wasn't soon enough for the driver. Since that semi truck was following dangerously close, I started indicating for my turn very early and had to start slowing down early and very gradually, and since the driver still insisted on staying as close to me as possible, they had to slow down a lot as well. Before I had even started to make the turn, the driver passed me blasting the horn and barely missing my left mirror, then proceeded to torment the next car in the queue. If only I had had my camera back then, because that would have been one of the most unusual traffic situations I would have captured on it so far. There are some absolutely mad people out there on the roads, even among supposedly professional drivers.

[@MotoJitsu]

wow

[@madbull4666]

Even though this was a year ago comment. Most 'professional' drivers want to get to the destination as quickly as possible they don't normally want to be stressed out the entire way so I wonder if there was a valid reason for his madness on the road where he purposely removed the restriction and flashing everyone, an emergency situation possibly? Either way not an excuse but only reasonable conclusion I can think of. Glad I wasn't part of it.

[@hipposnakeyo]

IMO it doesn't matter what they supposed to do or what the law says, our minds are very different and sometimes its pointless to argue. But the most important thing is your safety. In your scenario the driver is definitely crazy and I would just pass the car in front of me to use them as a gap, and slow down to create some space. Maybe it is illegal maybe I will piss off the others but still probably safer.

[@andreaolivieri9786]

this is what highway driving/riding is like where I live, in Rome. Literally every time you hit the highway, you will encounter one of those maniacs

[@jasongoodman4930]

In a lot of countries flashing lights is actually a polite way of saying "I want to pass you.." lol. These drivers are ignorant and plain stupid, because those rules don't apply here.

[@2002drumsonly]

Another life saving video. Logic vs emotion, logic always wins.

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks!

[@NinkeWestra]

in an ideal world yes. Unfortunately for a lot of people emotions are so much easier

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

I love this so much...coming into the keys most of the way down is just two lanes.....fast trucks, pick ups with boats, RVs....so much goin on....so much tailgating.....I take a lot of deep breaths and remain calm but sometimes I do exactly what u said....I'll pull in somewhere just to allow that human to pass me to go bother someone else.....these are wonderful tips...will be predicting all of this ...thank you!

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@donthomason9232]

Was in that situation of the two lane county rd. Couple young kids in a nice pu trck. Checked my speed, yup going the speed limit, check. Then they turned on the bright LED lights. Hmmm, I remained calm, held my speed and was looking for a escape route. They finally passed, very closely. I breathed a sign of relief, and never saw the kids after that. Thanks Fast Eddie for the tips. It will happen to every one of us, sooner or later.

[@paulacostina813]

I’m obsessed with your videos and with other videos of other you tubers... but only your videos I watch it over and over again. You are so calm , repetitive (in a good way) and handsome ☺️. I’ve had an msf course here in Italy before my licence and done more than 20 days lessons (just because I didn’t have a bike to practice). Now I have my own bike z650 2020, was already on the streets for 8 days in a row, and every day that pass is better then the last one . Thank to you and other you tubers, but You- hands down. You helped me a lot . And still help me. Keep on doing this kind of videos

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks! :) MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, etc. :)

[@jcrich9254]

I am looking to get my first bike and am researching before I do. I really appreciate your videos. You are a natural teacher. Keep it up as you are helping a lot of people.

[@cloud9847]

brother, me and you both. I'm a month out from buying my bike and can't get enough motojitsu and a few others. These guys are saving lives by helping people completely stay out of life threatening situations. It's incredible.

[@ladytao6370]

Thank God I have only encountered tailgating once, just like the truck scenario you showed, I was able to speed up, turned at a right corner, stopped at a parking lot and let "the crazy" go by, revving his engine like mad. Then I went my merry way. I learned long time ago that on a bike, you might be "right", but you could also be dead, let them "win", I liked what you said about "mental slavery", I am the one that controls that. In the world of variables, you are the only constant. Thank you for the tips. 👍

[@MotoJitsu]

You're welcome!

[@sirfaffalot9136]

Wow, it happens a few times every minute in London!

[@Panda-nk4ec]

Dude, I am learning so much from your videos! Only been riding four months and applying everything in your videos.

[@MotoJitsu]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching, share them with others!

[@Johny40Se7en]

Some of your best tips. Remain calm, same goes for when a car or van cuts you off on a roundabout or something, it's not if it happens it's when so just shrug it off. As motorbikers we are the thinkers of the roads so lets try and think positive and safe when shit like this happens.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!

[@sirfaffalot9136]

Mental attitude is key to safe driving and riding! 👍

[@redfive5123]

Most of the tailgaters I find in the streets are Mercedes Benz-Audi-BMW car drivers eager to confront their cars acceleration/speed with my motorcycle. My response/reaction (I don’t care the way we call it) is to get rid of them as fast is possible, putting the longest distance between them and me, giving them no opportunity to do crazy stuff. I prefer to get a ticket instead of suffering the harm of any bravata from these insane “macho” men.

[@geneclarke2205]

This is controversial but CycleWorld did a study on how visible and therefore attention getting stock lighting on the rear of a motorcycle is to other vehicles and the vast majority of bikes failed their test. Their conclusion was go bright and wide with lighting so other vehicles perceive you as bigger than you are on the road. Basically, as your lights fill the lane and you begin to "look" like all other vehicles in the drivers mind view and they react to you as they would just another car or truck. Like when a puffer fish expands so as not to be eaten. Food for thought.

[@MotoJitsu]

Very true...big lights, retro-reflective stickers, etc.

[@RobertMacCready]

At night I also wear a reflective vest. It seems to work really well.

[@MotoJitsu]

@@RobertMacCready sure does!

[@claytonatkins6058]

Does underglow fall under this school of thought? Never really understood the desire for it aside from aesthetics

[@MotoJitsu]

Can't be ridden with it on; however, I know people who do. It's an easy way to get unwanted attention by police officers. Looks cool when parked however lol

[@dobletroubleify]

This exact issue happened to me the first time I rode on a real road(new rider btw) I had a guy tailgating me when I was going the speed limit and I was aware of him being very close, I kept my eye on the road ahead while glancing back every once in a while and I noticed that the guy started to do something different so I moved from lane position 2 to position 3 and he passed at the same time over a double line and on a blind corner but because I was aware of the threat before it became dangerous I just moved out of the way briefly and kept riding safely

[@MotoJitsu]

sheesh

[@אליעדמזרחי-צ7ת]

Man you're really talented , awesome drawing skills👋

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks!

[@stevenmitchell1244]

Thanks for the great advice! I'm a new rider and have made a few of these mistakes already so I'll work on what you preach in the video. What really bothers me is when I'm riding 5-10 OVER and STILL get tailgated! There are lots of drivers here in the DC Metro area who take the speed limit and add 15-20 to it everywhere they drive. Makes it really hard if you're a newbie. Luckily we've got you to help us out so thanks again!

[@MotoJitsu]

You're welcome! :) Yes, people are crazy lol

[@mykematics8156]

Going through this same thing right now being a new rider in the DMV area...finally getting a bit more comfortable with speeding up so I’ll go about 5-10 over as you mentioned and still get extremely tailgated and passed aggressively...impatient people all over the place.

[@moto303CO]

Hey Eddie, want to thank you for all the great safety videos. I’ve been riding for years and now my 17 year old son just got a 500. I’ve been teaching him awareness and predictive behavior, but I have realized that many of the things I have learned on my own are instinct and I am not that good at explaining why I do some of the things I do. Your video not only do that very well, but have many things that I have never really considered while out riding. Big kudos for helping keep my son, and me, safer when out riding. Much love.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thank you so much! I’m almost up to 400 videos and I created many new playlists to help navigate :)

[@Alienated420]

Yes!

[@smiley50ish]

Always feel more vulnerable when on bike when someone behind you compared to being in car pull over leave them pass best advice a lot of two lane roads in uk

[@georgeeslin7875]

I’m 81years old & got interested in motorcycles watching flat track racing & watching you guys on Facebook.And I’m tempted to go to the Harley dealer to get a motorcycle license,I understand they will rent you a bick for the course I think I could be happy just taking all the different courses,& be much safer.Im sorry for affending you.cause I think you give a good presentation.

[@MotoJitsu]

Take the beginner course in your state as step 1 :)

[@yankhofreemansomanje6433]

Listening to you, what I hear u say without mentioning it out loud is "be smart"

[@MotoJitsu]

:) If you haven't already, check out MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, etc.

[@stevenhill6214]

Excellent advice , the sort of stuff that needs to be shown on a car channel so that maybe some of the more moronic cagers might understand the biker vulnerabilities!

[@MotoJitsu]

That would be awesome! Please share with others!

[@AnotherMotorist]

Hard to fix stupid but can learn from ignorance. It all comes down to people having complete disregard of life in a car these days.

[@submissions72]

This happened to me today, I was keeping my following distance from the car in front of me, and the dude behind me tailgated me, and honked cause I kept space between me and the car in front of me. I kept going about my way.

[@MotoJitsu]

Happens a lot unfortunately

[@shawnroark582]

I have experienced this when someone tailgated me... it didn't end well... number 1 most important.

[@MotoJitsu]

👌🏼

[@aspinaki]

people vlogging with empty contents and have lots of stupid subscribers, and you, a great guy enlightening stupids to sensible, not having subs.just incredible!!! Finding out so many little but very very essential aspects and then vlogging is not easy. It is you only who do it. Thank you man.I salute your work.keep continuing.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks! 350+ videos to go through!

[@aspinaki]

@@MotoJitsu I will surely go through.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!

[@bandogbone3265]

I try to always keep 360 degree awareness as far as possible, so I'll often be able to predict potential tailgaters before they get close. If I'm not already in the rightmost lane on a highway, I'll start signalling for a lane change to the right before the speeding cager is on my tail. This alone helps keep the cager off my tail, because he knows I have already agreed to get out of his way, and also because he knows that I might be slowing down a little before being able to perform the lane change. It also helps prevent him from trying to pass me on the right, which I find hazardous. Then, if there is plenty of room in the lane to my right, I will speed up a little (not slow down) and change lanes. If traffic is heavy in the lane to my right and I need to wait for a spot, then it is up to the cars in that lane to make room for me, so I just continue in my current lane until a spot opens up. If the tailgater starts pressuring me while I wait for a spot then it is obvious to him that he is the jerk, not I, so I rarely encounter trouble with this strategy. If the tailgater does pressure me while I'm already signaling to the right and waiting for a spot then I calmly put out my left hand angled downward and wave rearward a couple of times to politely ask the tailgater to fall back a bit. I have found that cars do indeed respond to such a hand signal in this type of scenario. If I am already in the right lane and a tailgater approaches then I wave my left hand forward, asking him to change lanes to the left in order to pass me. This indicates to the tailgater in advance that I do not intend to speed up for him. If it is a single-lane roadway, then I follow the advice in this vid, either maintain proper speed, or signal to the right to show my intention to pull into a gas station or exit, and wave rearward with my lowered left hand if the tailgater starts pressuring me. I rarely pull over onto a shoulder -- only if it's a single lane and I feel very concerned for my immediate safety. As FE said here, it is important to remain in the middle of my lane so that the tailgater does not attempt to squeeze by me prematurely. One time, I was in the left lane of a three-lane highway (Garden State Parkway in NE NJ USA), it was night-time, heavy but rapid traffic in all three lanes, and a tailgater suddenly began to pressure me as soon as the traffic in front of me started pulling away a little. Since I was already going a little over the speed limit, I maintained my speed and did not immediately signal to the right because I did not want to startle the cars to my right, since they were all close together. After about 15 seconds, the tailgater got even closer and then started flashing his high beams, so then I started signaling to the right, the cars to my right politely made room for me, and I changed lanes. It turned out that the tailgater was an unmarked police car, and the driver was very clearly behaving in a provocative manner, perhaps in order to force me to speed so he could give me a ticket.

[@michaellaracuenti9896]

the cops are horrible in NJ that is one of the main reasons i moved out i once had a cop follow me for over 4 miles i pulled over he pulled up behind me and asked why i pulled over i told him i figured i would save him the trouble of pulling me over , he told me to get the fuck out of there.Also if a state trooper pulls you over and says to you DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY I PULLED YOU OVER don;t say you figured i had a box of doughnuts THEY DON"T HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR he almost had a stroke he was too pissed off to give me a ticket and sent me angrily on my way

[@yarekk]

I always speed up to leave the trouble behind me

[@JavierJimenez-po7fd]

I love when you refer to third parties as stupid. Thats litterally how I imagine everyone on the road when I'm out on my bike. #stayawayfromstupid Thank Eddie! Knowledge and entertainment

[@MotoJitsu]

Many people distracted & not paying attention to anything but their phone.

[@JavierJimenez-po7fd]

@@MotoJitsu I felt chills when I saw the reply! Thank you, again, Eddie! I share you videos and tips with all my biker buddies. My brother always tells me to be careful on my bike, and he's the one always sending me an audio, going like dude I almost crashed, in mid audio. I told him he's the stupid that we gotta watch out for! Brotherly love, he said he'd stop that for his own sake, and us brothers, sharing the journey on the road.

[@MotoJitsu]

Javier Jimenez you’re very welcome!

[@willmcgregor7184]

When I first start my ride I countersteer within my lane to help warm the tires-that always creates space between me & following vehicle. If someone is obviously tailgating I’ll swerve within my lane as if trying to avoid running over something on the road. Occasionally that will create a bit of a safety zone between me & the tailgater. At slower city speeds (50-60 km-) standing on the pegs seems to freak some people & they pass or drop back significantly.

[@MotoJitsu]

Lol that works!

[@sirfaffalot9136]

In the UK you can be pulled over by the cops for "warming your tyres" by swerving back and forth in your lane. The issue with it being that it can confuse or startle other road users. Personally I wouldn't do this with someone close behind me.

[@frankhernandez1995]

I have been riding for almost 40 years, in all seasons, primarily in IL, this is sound and concise advice.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks

[@S197Bryan]

My favorite thing is when I slow down because I’m a local in the area I’m in and I know where the speed cameras are and some guy overtakes me, I get next to them at the red light and let them know they just got got by the speed camera. I’ve learned to always watch the traffic around me because if the majority starts slowing down for “no reason” there’s probably a reason

[@roccolescio1695]

Yes thank u very much I’m 62! Just got back to riding last years yep these tips are great thanks again

[@MotoJitsu]

you're welcome ;)

[@kroyhull]

I consistently throughout the day try to remain in the moment by counting as I breathe in and out my nose, usually a 4 to 7 count. J do this when I ride and by keeping my conscious mind busy with that task, it allows my subconscious (super conscious really) mind to be the primary mind in control. This keeps me calm, allows me to relax, have my arms like wet noodles and be able to play the piano as I take curves .. now when reading that back it seems like I'm distracted and this is a bad technique ... but for me, my reaction time is far quicker and every thought I do have , while keeping count, is more concise and about the moment/what I'm doing- which is riding the bike. My mind doesn't drift elsewhere when I count. It has been my savior a few times now. Along with practice.

[@mowler8042]

I’ve dealt with this. Going up north to cottage country I’m passed even when I’m doing a speed that is above the posted signs it’s dangerous and frustrating I will actually pull over and wait until I have the road clear enough it takes a while until the the next asshat in a rush comes up behind me.

[@MotoJitsu]

Unless there's a safe place to pull over, I wouldn't.

[@TechAndMotorcycles]

Fast Eddie for 2020 "keep more distance between you and stupid" fantastic slogan for this year

[@MotoJitsu]

Lol thanks

[@ThaSideWeed]

So here's this scenario : 1 lane country road. I'm going 75 mph in a 60 mph road. Tailgated by a pickup truck. traffic on the other side of the road. There are a couple cars behind me and the truck going about as fast. And it's night and i'm blinded by the pickup's headlights. What do i do in that situation? xD The issue is mostly that I'm being blinded and less about the tailgating part. Now....what I did was speed up to around 110. But that was kind of a gamble, and not very fun, on a road i don't know and can't see all that well.

[@MotoJitsu]

If there's a place to pull off, a driveway or gas station, I would do that...if the person wants to pass, expect them to do so, that way you won't be surprised. But I would never speed up like that...if you would of crashed, it's your fault. No one said to go 110.

[@ThaSideWeed]

Yup, thanks for the advice, i'm fully aware if the issue with speeding up and my reaction. I would do/have pulled over out of instinct if not anything, there was nothing for the next 10-20 miles though, no gas station, no shoulder. I was more surprised by the fact that the dude didn't seem to initiate a pass, even after a couple minutes of keeping a constant speed. Evan had time to slowly ease off the gas to just below the speed limit, tap rear brake for a while, slowly gesture that he can pass after some more time, but it didn't have much effect. There was ample time as the flow of traffic from the opposing lane wasn't constant. Even if that behavior isn't very common as far as I've experienced, I was looking for other people's insight on what the least risky option to deal with the situation might be. Clearly going 110 wasn't the safest thing, but neither did sitting there squinting my eyes didn't seem right. So am looking for a "better way" in that circumstance :)

[@MotoJitsu]

You're welcome...yes if someone is just being a dick, just be ready to accelerate or swerve or stop but I wouldn't let anyone make me go that fast.

[@morpheu5]

Thanks for a great video, Eddie! I get tailgated a lot, especially while I'm driving a car. I used to give them a light tap on the brakes (only lights, no actual braking) but that only served the opposite of enraging them and coming even closer, as if they thought I was taunting them, and making fun of them. I also get a lot (and I mean A LOT) of trucks up my rear end, and they get particularly annoying around their own speed limit. They start flashing and coming up close, then they see I'm not moving (where? The rest of the traffic is going at the same speed!) then they try to overtake but either they have no space to move, or their limiters kick in, and so they just stick there as close as they can. I once had to pull over and let one pass, just to be horned to death, and when the traffic cleared up and I managed to catch up and overtake the truck, the driver honked again. My instructor used to say to have eyes for yourself, front and back of your head, and for every other driver on the road. I apply this whether I'm on a bike or in a car, and have been driving safely ever since - though terrified, at times! :)

[@MotoJitsu]

Yup, you just control what you do...no need to panic or do anything to add to your risk.

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

You are such a good teacher, you really do a great job in getting the point over to us👍

[@MotoJitsu]

I appreciate that!

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

@@MotoJitsu No problem. As a new 67 year old new rider in the UK who has just bought his first bike, your channel has been a fantastic find for me and an enormous help. I applaud you sir. Well done and keep teaching. I am a very small time KZbinr so I really appreciate the time you commit to your channel. Thankyou VERY much, I am learning so much from you👏👏🏍👍

[@MotoJitsu]

@@ObsessiveCarDetailer You're very welcome :) So glad to hear

[@JJ-SH]

You might be the trigger for someone else's annoyance, but someone tailgating you is never your fault. The speed limit may have increased, but you are not obliged to stick at the speed limit - it's a limit not a required target. If someone behind decreases the gap between them and you, increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front to compensate just in case they stop suddenly; you'll be able to stop more slowly and hopefully avoid the tailgater rear-ending you.

[@MotoJitsu]

I do what I have to do, yup

[@samuel97silva]

It might be your fault.. Imagine the limit is 50 and you are doing 40, and you are in the left lane with 2 free lanes on your right.. It's not your fault he is tailgating but you are just being stupid on being in the left lane.. Which it's supposed to be the fastest lane. Unfortunately I see a lot of people doing that. This video is very good so people can understand that it can also be their fault and to be aware

[@sirfaffalot9136]

In the UK, tailgating is an offence and is never the fault of the driver/rider in front, legally speaking. And this advice (slow down, increase the gap from the vehicle in front, and consider pulling over to let the other vehicle pass if it's safe to do so), is right out of the highway code.

[@ke9g]

"you need to be predictable" I think that would be a great topic for a beginner video

[@MotoJitsu]

I say it in a lot of videos about street riding :)

[@ke9g]

Now that I think about it, I think you could do a top five list of ways to increase safety while riding. Be predictable. Be visible. I have watched many of your videos this past week, and they are very good, but I didn’t see one yet that gives examples of how best to stay visible.

[@MotoJitsu]

I have an entire playlist called Road Strategy where I ride around in various situations talking about what I'm doing. Plus I have a video coming out June 5th about the Top 5 Ways to Stay Alive.

[@FortunateXpat]

I drive in Sicily where the idiots pass on blind curves. It’s an Italian macho thing. If a car comes around the corner, it’s likely that the driver will serve back into my lane or head on crash and I’m dead either way. I scan the edge of the road, slow down and just let them go. I’m not sure what else to do.

[@nderezic]

By claiming the lane we put ourselves in control of the situation. It allows us to select the safest moment when the car will overtake us.

[@MotoJitsu]

Place yourself were you can see others and others can see you :)

[@weililim6444]

i like how you talked about mental preparations cuz it really helps even if im just driving a car especially when my self confidence is very little

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks :) SHARE IT

[@weililim6444]

@@MotoJitsu haha i definitely will

[@christopherm7741]

If I’m on a back country road that has twists and turns that I’m not familiar with, I will watch for on-coming traffic for opportunities for safe passing and will pull to the side and wave on traffic to pass me by then if locals are tailing me. I’ll also gradually slow down when they pull to the lane on the left to make sure they have enough time and space to pass. I will ride my own ride and not be bullied into speeding up.

[@MotoJitsu]

many ways to do one thing :)

[@nataliestennett5230]

I was a newbie riding on a country road (central west NSW Australia). I had to slow down for roads works. I had a B-Double (huge, big assed truck and dog) so close, I could have touched it, heading down hill, in the dirt. At the bottom of tne hill, I pulled off the road, and let him pass. So frightening.

[@Jamilsiddique]

Marvellous. Like the way you highlight that bikers can also be in the wrong. Solid advices .

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!

[@boseisgood]

Great points to consider. Love the road strategy lesson! Thanks!

[@MotoJitsu]

You're welcome!

[@aspinaki]

If all these pictures are drawn by you, then I must admire you. Really great fingers.

[@MotoJitsu]

All my drawings in all my videos are drawn by me.

[@sixfin]

Love the videos man I have no doubt your advice has saved lives. I would question one thing on this particular video though. I am not sure flashing your brake lights at a tail gaiter is a good idea. First it will tend to antagonize them and this may lead to more dangerous behavior. Second it desensitizes them to your brake lights. Then if you do have to brake it will take them a moment to realize you mean it this time, which could end badly for you. I would advise just letting them past when it's safe to do so. Choose safety over pride.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks...do as you wish. You can what if anything forever...I’ve never had an issue.

[@marianpelmus]

Great tips, just started riding a bike and this happens to me, I followed what you said and all was good and was no panic there Thanks 😎

[@Logan-or5qw]

You can always turn your flashers on if its obvious they are tailgating you. Then when the opportunity presents itself, turn flashers off then turn your right blinker on & pull over.

[@MotoJitsu]

only if there's a place to pull over...if you want to.

[@chuckyzn8948]

Im stay in Australia, Gold Coast QLD. I was Tailgated with a car full of drunk guys. I was driving to work around 5.30am minding my own business. They Tailgated me on a highway an I took the off ramp and they followed me driving right up my rear. We ended up at a traffic light an they where behind me, then I saw in my mirrors the drivers arm, he trying to pour alcohol on my back then I took off. They then chased me going really fast, I was so nervous didn't know what to do, so I pulled over then they did aswel. I saw one of The guys recording this. I then took off and hoped they leave me alone. I tried to get away an eventually did.

[@mikeburgan7675]

Good Advice Eddie! Thanks

[@MotoJitsu]

Any time! SHARE IT

[@dfawkes55]

Excellent lesson. Thank you for teaching us how to be safe riders. These tailgater tips will keep us out of trouble. Exercise care by riding aware!

[@MotoJitsu]

You're welcome!

[@IkarosCanFly]

When I first started riding cars would look like they are tailgating in my mirrors but when I would look over my shoulder they were usually about 2 car lengths away. I guess my mirrors make things look a lot closer then they are.

[@MotoJitsu]

Sure do

[@mattbortz10]

I don't understand why people hate motorcycle riders. I've had a few instances where people endangered my life, simply because they hate people who ride motorcycles, and I've only been riding on the street 3 years.

[@allans7281]

Comes down to riders are scared that a car is going to hit them from behind. Or create the likelihood of that in case you have to slam on your brakes. My question is what would you do if a car tapped you at the tail of your motorcycle to get you to speed up?

[@maxwell3534]

Glock 17. use it when necessary

[@maxwell3534]

first, set your speed at top of speed limit

[@sirfaffalot9136]

I rarely get tailgated on motorways, mainly because I use my mirrors and ensure I'm in the correct lane so I'm not holding up anyone behind me who obviously wants to pass. In town if it happens I just pull in at the first safe opportunity and use slow speed control to keep my feet up on the pegs and not come to a full stop, shoulder check as the tailgater passes, then pop out behind them and carry on with them safely in front of me where I can better anticipate and deal with their shitty driving. Great vid, solid advice. Let's get over this biker rage mirror hitting nonsense, and get on with being safer and better at the anticipation game.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks

[@Tomix1980]

sooo good ! "you don´t want to be in mental slavery !" hell yeah. :-)

[@MotoJitsu]

:) SHARE IT

[@r.d.1991]

Great tips there! Love the diagrams and drawings, very helpful indeed. 👍

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!

[@michaelvass1970]

Thanks Fast Eddy. By the way, I notice your last three video tips have been made with the camera looking only at the drawing book. Hope you also continue the old style with you sitting at your table holding the book and talking to the camera so we can see your smiling face and expressions as well.

[@ozpilotgirl]

Happened to me today on a ride with my boyfriend. We were riding on the famous Black Spur in Victoria. It was raining after a very dry spell, so the roads were very slippery, single, very twisty road, one lane each way and nowhere to stop. My boyfriend was ahead of me, but I had a cager right up my clacker (ass!) for about 10kms. This cager was riding me like Seattle Slew! I maintained my distance behind my boyfriend, but I just couldn't get the cager to back off. I tried tapping my rear brake SO MANY times, but he persisted. I sped up safely where I could, but the cager kept riding me. There was a 4WD behind the tail gater. The 4WD driver flashed his lights at this guy, in my defense, as if to say "Mate, pull ya bloody head in". It was unnerving, but there really was little I could do, except ride to the conditions and freakin' survive. I eventually had to stop for fuel and he drove off. My boyfriend was furious at the tail gater. He could see it all unfold in his mirrors and was powerless to stop it. I've been tail gated a lot in the past and have employed all your techniques before...but this time, there was simply nothing I could sdo, except remain calm

[@MotoJitsu]

Yup, nothing to do but be aware:) Please Check out & Subscribe to my other KZbin channel!!! kzbin.info/door/VJeRk29mNO-YRuvOJ73klQ?view_as=subscriber

[@ozpilotgirl]

@@MotoJitsu Already a subber, mate

[@MotoJitsu]

thanks :)

[@motoridersadventure2731]

Clear and very impormative...i love it..thanks...

[@MotoJitsu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@razvandumitru2252]

The Romanian highway has it's own law. You can go 150km/h when the speed limit is 130 and get tons of tailgaters that want to go 180 or 200km/h. The lane in the left is kind of the "badass car" lane and cops don't seem to care. Sometimes you can barely pass some semis in the right lane without getting any flashes. It's dangerous. Cops say you should not stay in the left lane too much, but then again, you're riding the speed limit or even higher. I'm curious if in California people have the same driving habits.

[@santaon2wheels600]

Just one simple tip that works for me (and most other riders) here in Thailand: always ride faster than other traffic. Never fails and I had already forgotten that tailgating could even be an issue. (I guess I've been too long here and forgotten how it's like to ride in a country where speed limits are enforced. Good advice on the video though.)

[@CassielRaphaella]

Hey, you said something very profound... you said the people to do no be a mental slave of someone else... that can be applied to every single moment of our life... regarding tailgaters... I use one principle... be alert in front of me, back with the mad driver and cautiously let them pass 👍... the far from me.. the better....

[@MotoJitsu]

👌🏼👌🏼

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

Excellent advice and great artwork as always!

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!!

[@firstchoicelastchoice28]

Tap the brake and engage your 4 way flashers at the same time if your bike has them. Turn your head and look back at them - let them know you are a real person not just the back of a helmet. Use your left hand and make a push back motion with your hand to get their attention. Weave your bike in the lane to get their attention. Always were full body protection no matter what the weather is! Always wear a Snell rated full face helmet. D.O.T. is not good enough. Emergency braking should be learned and constantly practiced Counter-steering should be practiced. Swerving should be practiced. Never ride when: you are late - angry - drunk - 'high' - had a verbal or physical fight with someone - hungover - in weather you are not comfortable riding in - lack of sleep. It is easy to go fast on a motorcycle. Practice how slow you can go. First gear, clutch engaged, both hands on the bar grips, no throttle. Do a bunch of figure eights in a flat empty parking lot. And slowly make the 8's smaller. How good is your control and balance? Try coming to a full stop [not rolling a tiny bit] a full, total stop without putting your feet down and then ride away again -- and your feet always stayed on the foot pegs during that exercise. If you are following a faster rider don't get sucked into the excitement. Let them go. They will wait for you somewhere ahead or they won't, it does not matter. Ride your own ride.

[@MotoJitsu]

Many ways to do one thing and I don't wear a snell nor do I recommend it.

[@firstchoicelastchoice28]

@@MotoJitsu if you research d.o.t. standards you will find out it is pretty low quality.

[@trykozmaksym]

Instant thumb up for the drawing. This must help being smooth on a motorcycle! developing a sensitive fingers, wrist, and whatnot... :)

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!

[@glynhannaford7332]

Very sound advice, thanks Eddie.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks!!

[@VLOGZTVisJiSoonRama]

Disney must see this work of art man

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@stevenholmes4628]

It's a difficult situation to find yourself in. I try and stick to all speed limits, but almost everyone overtakes me or is tailgating!. Even in bad weather. I've noticed this s lot more in the last ten years or so. Not all bikers want to go fast.

[@MotoJitsu]

Exactly

[@fashionskiller]

When someone's tail gating me I calmly slow down to 1/3 - 1/4 of the max allowed speed. Then I show them with my left hand to stay away from me (in a polite matter, no middle finger) then I speed up abruptly to the max speed again. They always understand.

[@MotoJitsu]

Many ways to do one thing :)

[@fashionskiller]

@@MotoJitsu yepp, all depends on the situation. It was a good eye opener about not going to the side to let oneself pass by. Thanks!

[@YA-ee9zf]

It’s funny how your driving in America is so tame here in the Middle East cars consider you a bug and will split lanes with you and cut you off even if you’re riding over the speed limit best thing to do is to speed up and switch lanes

[@MotoJitsu]

Very different

[@brianleugs159]

Someone tried to bully me out of my lane in a 4 lane road (2 in each direction) he tried tailgating me, coming Right up on my ass, hitting the brakes, right up on me, hit the brakes. Then into lane next to me, and tried to make me go sideways into another lane with a car in it.. held my ground and found out they weren't willing to hit me. They ended up lane splitting their car with a garbage truck and another car ahead of me lmao. Dang some people shouldn't drive.. i was going w/flow of traffic and not pissing anyone off just minding my own business.

[@georgeiftime6615]

That’s true!First of all we must remain calm and concentrated and do the right thing in that moment to keep ourself safe.Because there on the streets there are a lot of nuts guys.

[@oriordan51]

good video i'm from the uk we get this a lot.l always let them pass when it safe to do so. keep up the good work 👍

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks

[@cheeseballs3825]

Most people have been really respectful of my bike. I was worried, because people get less than one car length from my car going 45 mph.

[@grishfish]

No matter what you do, sometimes traffic gives you no outs. I had a lady really push it today and even after I told her off at a light she kept it up. She turned off ONE light short of having a firearm pointed right at her head.

[@MotoJitsu]

wow

[@grishfish]

@@MotoJitsu ...and I have it on video. Video evidence could save you from unnecessary prosecution if you have to go that far, so frankly, carrying a helmet cam (or whatever cam) is fundamental to protecting yourself should no one speak for you or if you're unable to speak due to a crash.

[@MotoJitsu]

I know a lot of people who do the same thing.

[@sirfaffalot9136]

Sadly we can't carry firearms in the UK. 🤣🇬🇧

[@haraldhochmann]

Great video, so good advices, perfect authentic and profound presentation! You're outstandingly talented in teaching and in drawing too! 👏 Besides you inspired me fundamentally to start with my first bike little at "just" 372cc 😏.. ktm 390 adventure. So glad I did! LBC rock's! ✨👍✨

[@MotoJitsu]

Glad it was helpful! MotoJitsu.com for my new app, books, merch, affiliate links to Revzilla, etc. :)

[@scottdiver36]

Moto jitsu that's one I don't like tail gaiters but in my Honda type r I just don't stay around to find out lol

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@allans7281]

Excellent video thanks for sharing!! I use my open hand to communicate back off and if that doesn’t work then all your steps come in to play. Terrific advice from someone that has employed some of them. Never abandon safety!!! ( What happened to the public being intimidated by bikers)Big fan

[@1playfair]

Yep another great video. Thanks for the awesome tips

[@aleximd9244]

In my country speed limit is usually for skateboarders. 1 month ago a suv passed me so close that I was shaking for 10 minutes.

[@MotoJitsu]

wow

[@mroels]

You should do a video about common times something is a biker's fault but we tend to blame car drivers. Me and a buddy were riding a way too fast the other day (yes I practice but I can still be an idiot sometimes lol) and a car pulled into our lane. My friend got pissed at the driver for pulling out in front of us. We got into a pretty good discussion because as a someone who speeds often he claims "dumb" drivers always do that. I told him they're not getting in front of him but rather he's getting behind him because of his rate of speed over the flow of traffic. There are probably a lot of situations where we blame cars but it's really on us. Would be cool to have like the top 10 be noted in a video to create awareness

[@MotoJitsu]

I indirectly say pretty much that in all my videos..yes people are dumb but a lot of times, most single vehicle crashes for sure, are operator error. People just can't ride too well and crash; first instinct is to blame others.

[@jim6635]

Very very good info and teaching .!!! Thanks

[@MotoJitsu]

👍🏼

[@motonorge1172]

Speed limit is a max limit. Dont say that you deserv to be tailgated because you drive ten under, the tailgater is the one making the mistake, so just go slower if someone is tailgating and let them pass, keep distance to them om front

[@MotoJitsu]

that's stupid "advice"

[@mykematics8156]

Hi Fast Eddie, assuming I’m comfortable going any speed on a bike, do you have any opinions on how fast to go with respect to the posted limit since I’ve read in multiple places that speedometers on bikes tend to read higher than the actual speed being travelled? i.e. is a person doing 45mph on a bike in a 45mph zone actually doing somewhere around 35mph, and therefore may be going slower than the limit without knowing?

[@MotoJitsu]

The speedometers aren’t broken

[@arnoldschertzer4975]

Excellent advice Sir.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks :)

[@k.k.kchannelbytikboytikas]

I really don't know if this tailgaters intentionally would like us motorcycle riders have an accident or not .. but like what i experienced several times in a steep hairpin downhill... i assume they know that we bikers would decrease speed and lean on a curve but i noticed they kept on tailgating on the curve.. what do you think guys would be the best move on a tailgater on a sharp curve? What do you think is thier intention?

[@knyggaplease1222]

What's the best motorcycle-mounted scabbard for a shotgun to discourage tailgating?

[@dalebart290]

Yeah if somebody's still getting you. And they don't stop it after a period of time I'd say either slow down so they pass you or just pull over and let them go by

[@insfree]

Lol whenever he says "predict stupidity, respond..." I always thought he was gonna say "equivalently"

[@MotoJitsu]

😂

[@johncmoney8394]

Great info!

[@Zues434]

This advise saves lives!

[@MotoJitsu]

hope so! Check out my website that has the links to my new app, all 4 of my books, merchandise, etc. MotoJitsu.com

[@TravisTerrell]

Lol, being tailgated isn't your fault. Driving overly slow and not paying attention is a real problem and can encourage people to tailgate, but tailgating is just shitty driver behavior. Thank you so much for the tips! A couple seemed more aggressive than I usually am, but probably safer. My favorite so far has been to just pull off and not worry.

[@User-54631]

I just had this problem the other day. A guy in some shitty 25 year old Lexus. I was turning right in the right lane and he had a clear middle lane to switch to. I just told my wife a few days earlier. I hate the city in which we live. People are shitty. I want to move after the kids grow up.

[@MotoJitsu]

that guy is shitty..not all people

[@bullsfan3705]

Excellent - great practical advice, thank you.

[@MotoJitsu]

Thanks