Anyone else have a problem with tailgaters?

[bull8042]

I know there isn't much car behind the seat, but it seems like nearly every day or two I have some jerk riding my butt! The last one was an early-20's blond chick on a cell phone. I wanted to slam on the brakes, but I guess that is a pretty stupid thing to do..... And I normally do the speed limit + 5, so I am not poking along.
People just don't realize how much quicker we can stop than them. That forces us into a last-minute decision... do we stop and avoid the frontal impact and get hammered in the rear from the idiot tailgater, or....really, I guess there is no decent decision under those circumstances.
I just wish people would stay off of my tail! I am seriously considering a spud gun with a short barrel and an automatic hatch release and positioning platform. A lettuce launcher.... A 4" PVC barrel loaded with a dozen Roma tomatoes! Hmmmm....

[JPaul]

Aren't height challenged people subject to some bullying, often unconscious?
Likewise, tiny cars are often disregarded by cruise ships drivers. At least I've had this experience daily. It's as if we "don't count"...
It upsets me, sometimes. But I try to ignore it. If something has to happen, at least I hope I won't be the responsible party charged of aggressive behavior.
Now, where did you get that dirty oil squirt gun?

[robotbill]

I have noticed this as well, most of the time they just can't believe what they are seeing and need to get closer. Some have told me when they pull along side they like the interior a lot.

[bull8042]

BWAAAHAAAHAAA! Great idea! Small battery-powered pump, unobtrusive nozzle hidden in the window trim.

[Dave Van]

The other thing I have noticed......When I drive my 99 Concorde on the local 2 lane highway at 55 mph (the speed limit) I almost never get passed...yet when I am in the Smart at 60+ mph (no cruise control) I get passed like I am going 40! Must be that folks HAVE to get up and see my little car!!!!

[E-SMART]

Originally Posted by Dave Van

The other thing I have noticed......When I drive my 99 Concorde on the local 2 lane highway at 55 mph (the speed limit) I almost never get passed...yet when I am in the Smart at 60+ mph (no cruise control) I get passed like I am going 40! Must be that folks HAVE to get up and see my little car!!!!

This is a good thought though, my wife always tells me to just chill and with a new driver in my family we're trying to keep as non-agressive as possible so he has decent driving habits.

Cars do seem to LOOM in the rear view of this little car even much more so than my low to the ground Miata. I guess we're all looking for a little more respect so let's just all give it some more time

[bull8042]

I haven't set up my GPS in the car yet, but according to one of those road-side speed indicators the local law enforcement uses, my speedometer is reading about 4 mph faster than actual. So maybe it is because I am just doing the speed limit. Shame on me.
However, when I am in my Ram with 8" lift, I don't seem to have the same problem either.
I think I am going to start brain-storming a "Tailgaters Kit". Maybe use a quick blast of CO2 to puke a small blurb of anti-seize or axle grease rearward at windshield level...
Or maybe a "locust launcher". You would have to supply your own locusts, but the effect would be nearly the same. Those damn things really make a mess on the windshield.

[msjohnson1974]

The rear windshield washer seems to work as a deterent... so does just slowing down a little more. We've got people in Atlanta that don't understand the pass on the left and slow people on the right thing. I find if I first slow down to the speed limit (or lower) most will get impatient and go around - on surface streets they get the idea and back off. If that doesn't work I start washing my rear window.

A neighbor that rides motorcycles will keep a handfull of pennies in his pocket that "accidentally" fall out of his pocket for tailgaters... not that I'd endorse that sort of behavior.

[Broken Kid]

I found more people were cutting me off by either pulling out into traffic ahead of me or crossing my lane. It happened four times yesterday. Maybe they think the little car must not go fast enough, so they have plenty of time. Unfortunately, my little horn didn't sound very imposing when I honked at them for cutting me off!

[bull8042]

I am considering one of these:
Black Finish 4 Horn Kit & 1.5 Gallon Tank/Compressor Combo
Just not too sure if I can find a place to mount it. Check out the videos while you are on the site. Those guys are nuts. Any time you pull up behind someone and lay down on a locomotive horn, you are going to get a reaction!!!