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Woman uses clever trick to make motorway tailgater back off
A driver shared a windscreen-washer trick that she says made a motorway tailgater back off. The story highlights the risks of following too closely and the debate over how drivers should respond when another vehicle is too near.
Cat said a grey Audi crossover was close behind while she was overtaking in the fast lane. She activated her rear windscreen washer, spraying fluid onto the car behind, and said it moved back; commenters reported mixed experiences, including one who said the other driver responded angrily. The Highway Code advises drivers to leave at least a two-second gap, and the article cautions that braking or using hazard lights may not be safe ways to deter tailgaters.
In short
- A driver says rear washer fluid made a tailgater back off.
- The incident happened while she was overtaking on a motorway.
- Drivers in the comments disagreed about the tactic.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A brief, non-braking spray may alert a tailgater that they are too close and prompt them to leave more space, potentially reducing the risk of a collision. From this perspective, it is an understandable response when a driver feels pressured, provided it does not distract them or compromise control of the vehicle.
The case against
Spraying a vehicle behind could startle or anger its driver, escalate a tense encounter, or distract either person, creating further danger at motorway speeds. A safer approach is to maintain a steady speed and course, avoid retaliatory actions, and let the other vehicle pass when it is safe to do so.