Stopping Tailgaters
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 303
Likes: 15
2011 E550 (RIP), 2014 CLS 550C4
TG's used to irk me when I was younger, not so much any more. I do take stock of what is behind me though. If it's a large vehicle; like a pick up, a large SUV, or something even larger, or a clapped out '85 Corolla I know that the brakes are simply marginal - for them I do what I can to get out of their way.
Except when I'm on an interstate where the stakes are much higher due to speed and reaction time. I'm generally running faster than most so it's rarely an issue for me. If someone does TG me on the IS I let them by and they become my "rabbit".
Don't get me started with the those who refuse to budge from the left lane. That's a whole 'nother topic.
Except when I'm on an interstate where the stakes are much higher due to speed and reaction time. I'm generally running faster than most so it's rarely an issue for me. If someone does TG me on the IS I let them by and they become my "rabbit".
Don't get me started with the those who refuse to budge from the left lane. That's a whole 'nother topic.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 365
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From: Richmond, VA
2013 E350
First, I will turn my hazard lights on for a short time and this usually gets them to back off for a short time. Then, I will find a way to safely let them pass.
In my younger days. I would have just driven faster until they couldn't tailgate me.
In my younger days. I would have just driven faster until they couldn't tailgate me.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 620
Likes: 65
From: Florida
2018 E300 Luxury - P3 and more
I forgot to post my favourite way, although it requires having an older Merc diesel to do it.
I used to have a `79 Merc 240D, standard transmission. If someone was really tailgating me bad, I'd first try putting the clutch in and pull up on the stick a few times, which would engage the reverse lights. If they still didn't back off, then I'd push in the clutch and floor the gas pedal, which would cause a thick black cloud of diesel soot to erupt from the rear of the car. THAT always worked. About as close to a James Bond smokescreen as you could get as a factory option.
I used to have a `79 Merc 240D, standard transmission. If someone was really tailgating me bad, I'd first try putting the clutch in and pull up on the stick a few times, which would engage the reverse lights. If they still didn't back off, then I'd push in the clutch and floor the gas pedal, which would cause a thick black cloud of diesel soot to erupt from the rear of the car. THAT always worked. About as close to a James Bond smokescreen as you could get as a factory option.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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W212 FL
On joking side , how about bumper cover stickers ?
Tailgating is a bad habit
A cop on board
I know these might make the things worse namely a police car is right behind you
Seriously, try to avoid eye contact , put your blinkers on , pull over shoulder asap depending on the road but when doing this be careful because you may need to slow down before doing that .
Rolling down the windows and waving your left arm from back to forth to point he / she can pass you might work as well
Tailgating is a bad habit
A cop on board
I know these might make the things worse namely a police car is right behind you
Seriously, try to avoid eye contact , put your blinkers on , pull over shoulder asap depending on the road but when doing this be careful because you may need to slow down before doing that .
Rolling down the windows and waving your left arm from back to forth to point he / she can pass you might work as well
Last edited by BenzV12; Sep 16, 2014 at 04:50 AM.
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
. I usually try to get out of the way, if not I use the harzards or slow down a bit. Rarely do I brake-check.
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,277
Likes: 3,917
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
MBW Editor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 303
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The Perfect Solution to Tailgaters
Yep, this hero of motoring figured out that he could put a sign on his Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG's sliding sun shades on the rear glass of his car, telling the motorist behind him exactly how he feels about their stupidity. Thank you, sir. You, indeed, are a hero. Now who’s going to be the first one on here to copy him?
Read the rest on the MBWorld homepage. >>
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From: Florida currently. Have lived in 8 states and 3 countries.
2020 GLE450, 2020 C43, 2021 F350
Because somebody wants to pass? Maybe the wife is in labor. Maybe it's a Dr on way to perform a lifesaving surgery. YOU are the *******s, not them.
