Tailgating Behavior:
Fair or Unfair?
Table of Contents
5 Definitions by Past Generations
Tailgating Behaviors: My Interpretation
Moral Implications to Tailgating
My Own Behavior in Tailgating
Conclusion
Suggestions to Future Generations
Epilogue
Navigation Table
5 Definitions by Past Generations
1. According to
Shane Cobb-Adams, tailgating is behaving in a dangerous and unjustifiable manner. Furthermore, he states the theory that it is an attempt to force your will over another driver is over extended, and focuses more on controlling behavior. In addition, he feels that tailgating is a way to obtain control over the situation. He feels that tailgating can lead to great physical danger and possibly death.
2.
Heidi Easley provides a scenario in which she relates to the concept of tailgating. In her example, she discussed 4 cats continuously fighting over a litter box. Ultimately, she feels that we need to create "highway harmony". However, she knows that it isn?t possible or realistic to create a highway for each and every driver in order for everyone to get their own way.
3. According to
Mike Silva, tailgating is neither fair nor ethical. He feels that in order to make our roads a safer place to share, drivers must understand that we cannot have the privilege to force our wishes onto others. Furthermore, he feels that tailgating causes confusion, aggravation and panic.
4. According to
Terence Nakamatsu, tailgating occurs when a vehicle is being followed by another vehicle too closely, which is a personal issue. He states that we each have our own "personal space," and that we tend to become defensive and aggressive drivers when someone invades our space.
5. According to
Jayson Nakasone, tailgating is another form of communication. There are certain norms that drivers should comply with. However, when drivers do not, they learn right then and there.
Tailgating Behaviors: My Interpretations
I agree with Shane Cobb-Adams that tailgating can be a potentially dangerous act. He brought up the issue of choice, and I agree with him. To make roads safer, I feel that drivers should control their behaviors because the actions of one can have an influence on the behaviors of others on the road.
I definitely agree with Heidi Easley that we have to create harmony on the road. That has to do with caring for your own life and the lives of other drivers. One day in class the issue of "caring for other?s feelings" was discussed. I think that this is very important. As a result, the roads would overall be safer, and only until people start caring can harmony be achieved.
I agree with Mike Silva that tailgating isn?t justifiable. Of course, there might be times when you?re on the road and don?t expect there to be traffic. However, in those cases, I don?t feel that it gives a driver the right to pressure others. As much as possible, I think that time management should be practiced. When you need to be at a certain place at a certain time, plan ahead and get a head start. Be prepared for the unexpected and give yourself leeway time. This way you avoid aggressive driving behavior.
I agree with Terence Nakamatsu on his take on individuals having "personal space". In general, we do tend to take it personally when our space is invaded. It?s also true that we define our own personal space. For example, in certain cultures, when people walk together, they walk very close to each other, or may walk hanging on to the other person. And in other cultures, it wouldn?t be considered normal.
I agree with Jayson Nakasone on many points. Tailgating can possibly be a way to teach other drivers about respecting norms on the road. However, that isn?t guaranteed that it works. Many times it has the opposite effect. Other drivers get upset, and things may happen as a result of that anger and invasion of personal space. I also that tailgating is "selfish". I don?t feel it?s right for a driver to feel pressured to go beyond his/her own speed in order to let the driver tailgating get his/her way.
Moral Implications to Tailgating
In my opinion, I don?t think tailgating is justifiable, nor do I think it is no big deal. There is no excuse for trying to put pressure on other drivers or to drive in this type of aggressive behavior. Like I mentioned earlier, plan ahead and get an early start. Just because you might be late for an appointment doesn?t mean you have the right to take it out on other drivers.
From a moral and ethical aspect, I don?t think that tailgaters think that they?re doing anything wrong. They may feel that they have the right because drivers may tend to only care about themselves.
My Own Behavior in Tailgating
I haven?t had any experiences in which I have done the actual tailgating. I have always had respect for other drivers' personal space, and another reason is for my own safety as well. I don?t tailgate because I realize that if I get too close to another vehicle, I can?t be too sure what their next move will be. For example, the vehicle in front of me may come to a complete stop. And also because I don?t want to set myself up for potential trouble. I haven?t had any experiences like Holly Ishikawa. In her mini experiment, I feel that she touched on a good point: That drivers may tend to continue to drive too slow on purpose, especially if one minute they see you from a distance in their mirrors, and then another minute see you right on their tale. I know many people who feel that way, too.
However, I have been tailgated on several occasions. In those situations, I would speed up. Although I don?t justify tailgating, I?m not going to make it a problem for me by aggravating another driver.
Conclusion
I think that it is important for drivers to be educated from an early age about tailgating. It is wrong in many areas, and shouldn?t be an option. Drivers need to start caring more for other drivers as well as for themselves. I haven?t had much experience in tailgating, and am glad about that. I try to avoid as much conflict on the road as possible.
Suggestions to Future Generations
As always, it is important to start on reports early. Avoid procrastination. In order to present a good report, you must put in the time and work, and in the end it will show. I would also suggest doing mini experiments like
Holly Ishikawa did in hers. That would definitely be beneficial to your report.
Epilogue
Doing this report has benefited me because I have been able to learn from the reports of others. I think that everyone?s viewpoints are important and we can all learn from each other. I have gained more of an understanding of the concept and the different aspects behind the issue.
Navigation Table
My Report 1: How Drivers Communicate
My Report 2: Tailgating Behavior: Fair or Unfair?
My Report 3: Music and Drivers