[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by electric_eel

It seems that the standard SOP of an overtaking car is not to abort a goofed up overtake but to go faster and get in front and then by reflex brake (rather hard). Often cars overtake a slow moving truck in pairs (or triplets or .. you get the point) and then there is not even an option to abort an overtake. Which means it ends up in a situation very similar to brake checking. One needs to be extra careful in these situation.

I agree. I am a witness to such scenarios when multiple cars try to overtake a slow moving vehicle and the trailing car gets into a situation where it's unable to complete the overtaking (either due to the fast approaching vehicle in opposite direction or there's no space to slip back into their own lane as there are multiple slow moving trucks back to back or due to lack of power/ miscalculation of their car's ability to complete the pass in the given short period of time). Many times this ends in horrible mishaps and sometimes they get just lucky and escape with a very thin margin.

As for me, I never trail a car that's overtaking a slower moving vehicle. That's a recipe for disaster. I need the opposite lane to be empty and a clearly visible straight stretch of road (atleast 100-150 mtr) before I even think of overtaking. Again, if someone is approaching fast right behind me, I rather allow him to pass first and wait for a proper opening for my safe overtaking manoeuvre.

I have personally seen some overtaking by fast moving cars who don't even pause a bit to analyse the situation and it really sends a chill down my spine. It really does. I get shaken at the audacity of the car driver who takes such risks and just manage to get away. But then everyday is not a Sunday and Karma catches up sooner or later.

[kdp]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

I do not brake-check: uncalled for and highly dangerous.

I do (confession!) sometimes do what I call passive-aggressive braking. This is gently applying brake. One can bring the guy behind to a complete halt. In fact I heard of it as a police technique to stop another car.

Well... that was in my younger days (late 60s ) and I'm a lot calmer on the road now. If I am being tailgated I do my best to get the guy past. It's odd how that can sometimes be difficult. They are not driving at the backside of my car because they want to overtake, but because that is what seems right to them!

And, with a tailgater, I always slow down and double the distance between me and the vehicle in front: I now need stopping distance for two!

When I am aware that I have annoyed someone, maybe by doing the above, I am ready for retaliation. I will slow down as they overtake, and will keep well back from them. I will not give them the chance.

On a lighter note, I have various fantasy lit-up signs for the back of my car. The one for tailgaters says, "I'll turn my engine off and you can push."

That bit about the sign was so amusing. if you were serious, could you tell me where you got it from?

On the topic itself, even keeping the ethical dimensions of brake checking aside, making an assumption that person that riled you with their driving is nevertheless a really agile and alert driver, may be a wish too far. Regardless of what happens to the car behind, its unlikely the brakechecking car will stay unblemished in the case of a shunt.

On tailgating, similarly my experience has been that drivers in front all think they are Stirling Moss and will change lanes to avoid an obstacle on the road, till the absolute last moment, leaving no time for you to react. Plus, of course, Indian Roads so often present a genuine reason for panic braking. So in the interests of self preservation, its totally avoidable.

I try to encourage tailgaters to overtake by gradually slowing down and trying to switch lanes if possible, though i must say, on occasion, road permitting, I do get tempted to choose that moment for an italian tune-up...

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by kdp

That bit about the sign was so amusing. if you were serious, could you tell me where you got it from?

No,no, not real: only fantasy . I have a ruder fantasy one too .

I try to encourage tailgaters to overtake by gradually slowing down and trying to switch lanes if possible

Generally, if someone wants to travel faster than me, that's fine by me. I try to keep an eye on mirrors, and know who is approaching and how fast. I will accommodate them if I can. I do, however, object to being bullied, and I am then less accommodating. As I am in heavy traffic, when I cannot understand that need many feel to overtake the world, one car at a time!

though i must say, on occasion, road permitting, I do get tempted to choose that moment for an italian tune-up

Haha, I drive a diesel, and it mostly only gets to do city roads, and it maybe childish but it is satisfying to leave the behind car shrouded in smoke!

[URWELCOME]

There are many times slow moving vehicles in fast lane of BLR-MYS express way as they feel it is safe or it needs less maneuver.
On one instance an Maruti Eco was going in the fast lane in 60-70 kmph. This was causing a block as there were trucks in other 2 lane. He got agitated when i honked and decided to brake check me. Didn't bother me as I had slowed down anticipating he will not give space.
But he has the audacity to do such things. People think they can brake check but donno the risks involved. What if the person who got brake checked is a bigger maniac...

[fawad0222]

Anybody who displays that kind of behaviour as OP mentioned, is not in a normal frame of mind, bordering psychological issues. It could be anything, being in super tense studies for many many years after clearing Stressful PMT, or work pressure being in Army units,. There could be several reasons behind such a behaviour and the person needs help, first to help himself and then for others surrounding him.

Regards