Is is normal to have the urge to hit the brakes when being tailgates?

I always slow down significantly and just go the speed limit or lower. If they got somewhere to be, then too bad.

Pretty normal to have that urge, and somewhat normal to do it too. We grew up referring to it as "brake checking" and there's a subtle way to do it that sends a message to the car behind, while still not risking an accident. Usually you can get a fair idea if a driver will be quick to react or not.

Being tailgated doesn't bother/unsettle me much but I've brake checked a few times for other reasons.

I always hear people talk about wanting to slam on their brakes while being tailgated, but I tend to think I don't want to get rear ended. I have, however, tapped my brakes.

Ignore them, they may not realize how close they are due to not being able to see the length of their bonnet. In which case, you will just come across as a bit of a dick. Just drive normally, you don't owe them shit. If they want to overtake you they can. I stick to the limit and ignore them.

Yep, I have no time or inclination to cause an accident, but the urge is there lol

2 things.
Yes, I've felt the urge.
But I care about my car.
That said, if you hang out in the left hand passing lane.
Smoking a cig, cell talking, day dreaming and back up traffic behind you...
I will get right on your ass.
I have VERY good brakes.
I'll flash my high beams right in your mirror.
I'll do this till you get the fuck out of the way.
Then, if I'm in a bad mood and have time I'll slow down in front of you, not let you pass for a few minutes.
The road is no place for games.
Keep traffic moving.
But, you block traffic.
I'll mess with you.

I totally understand wanting to slam on the brakes, but I wouldn't want to risk getting rear-ended. I would be more inclined to slow down, not only out of spite but because being tailgated is very stressful and distracting and I don't like being stressed and distracted at high speeds.

the best way to deal with tailgaters is to get the fuck out of the passing lane you cunt. stop driving formation and blocking progress. driving under the speed limit like a dick doesnt help your case. let people kill themselves speeding, its their life not yours fucko.

It's none of my business what people are doing behind me.

Most people don't even realize how close they are. A sane person will back off with a little tap of the brake, as long as you're going the speed limit. Don't ever slam on the brakes! A nice middle finger helps too. Might escalate things though. Just clear the lane when possible and let them go.

It's normal. I just tap on my breaks. They usually get the point and they either slow down or in some dumb instances, drive onto incoming traffic to pass me.

There is a safer way to get them to give you your space (if there is nobody tailgating them either). A quick double tap on your hazzard lights make them think that you stepped on the brakes.

Little tips and tricks don't matter in this instance. I think you should look for the fault in yourself. If you get behind a wheel of a car, emotion must be left out of the equation. There is only room for calm logic.

My biggest driving pet peeve is folks riding the exit ramp and then swerving over to get back in main traffic. If it's me they're trying to get in front of, I never let them back in.