Judge the behaviour, not the country
Frequent horn use, close merging and different lane habits can feel hostile to a visitor. They do not always mean that another driver is targeting you. Deliberate intimidation looks different: a driver follows you through several turns, blocks your path, repeatedly brakes in front of you, or gets out of the vehicle to confront you.
Respond to the behaviour in front of you. Country stereotypes do not tell you whether a particular driver is dangerous.
If another vehicle follows too closely
Increase the distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. The extra space lets you slow gradually instead of braking hard with a tailgater behind you. Keep a steady speed and move out of the passing lane when it is safe.
Do not brake-check, race or make gestures. At the next safe lay-by, service area or exit, let the vehicle go. Avoid stopping on a narrow shoulder simply to settle the situation.
Horns and flashing headlights
Drivers use horns and headlights for several purposes: warning before an overtake, signalling their position, asking to pass, or expressing anger. Check the traffic before assuming the motive. A short horn near a blind bend requires attention even if the tone feels rude.
Your response should stay physical and predictable. Hold the lane, signal early and avoid a sudden move made only to satisfy the other driver.
A staffed public place is a better destination than an isolated accommodation entrance. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Only a passenger should record or call while the driver keeps control. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
If someone appears to be following you
Keep the doors locked and windows closed. Do not drive to your accommodation or an isolated car park. Continue to a staffed fuel station, police station or busy public place.
Call the local emergency number when a driver threatens you, blocks the road, tries to enter the vehicle or continues following you. Give the dispatcher your direction of travel, road number, location and vehicle description. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions instead of inventing an escape route.
After a collision
Stay in the vehicle if the other person is threatening and the location is safe enough to wait. Call police and tell them that the other driver is behaving aggressively. If remaining in place creates an immediate danger, move to the nearest public location and explain the move to the dispatcher.
Photograph the vehicles and scene only when you can do so without approaching the other driver. A dashcam may record the event, but local recording and privacy rules still apply.
When the incident ends
Stop somewhere safe before continuing. Write down the time, road, registration number and what happened while the sequence is still clear. Send any police reference and original footage to the rental company or insurer if the incident caused damage.
The useful rule is simple: create distance, stay visible to other people and contact local authorities when the behaviour becomes a threat.
Sources and review date
This tip was reviewed on August 17, 2026. Emergency numbers and police response differ by country; use the local emergency service and follow its instructions.