Tennessee Drivers Caught Tailgating on Solid Ice Like Winter Rules Don’t Apply: ‘4×4 Isn’t Magic’
TENNESSEE — As a brutal winter storm left much of the state coated in thick sheets of ice, most drivers slowed down, knowing the roads had become unpredictable and dangerous. But not everyone got the memo. Across parts of Tennessee, including hilly and shaded roadways, drivers in trucks and SUVs were still seen tailgating one another — despite slick pavement and near-zero traction.
A photo shared to Reddit’s r/mildlyinfuriating community captured the moment perfectly: three pickup trucks traveling bumper-to-bumper on an icy, sloped road while the rest of the street sat nearly empty. The image quickly sparked frustration online, with many pointing out the false confidence drivers often gain simply from sitting higher or having four-wheel drive.
According to the post’s caption, the scene unfolded during peak icy conditions when side roads and secondary routes were especially treacherous. Instead of spacing out and driving cautiously, the drivers appeared to be riding each other’s bumpers — a risky move even on dry pavement, let alone ice.
Four-Wheel Drive Confidence Meets Reality
Commenters wasted no time calling out the dangerous behavior. Many emphasized a critical but often forgotten truth: four-wheel drive helps you move, not stop. Ice removes the advantage almost entirely when it comes to braking.
One commenter joked, “Nothing like riding someone’s bumper on sheer ice because you’ve got 4×4 confidence. Physics still wins, folks.” Another added, “They call it four-wheel drive, not four-wheel stop — but somehow people still don’t get that.”
Others pointed out that this kind of reckless driving isn’t unique to Tennessee. Drivers from Wisconsin, Colorado, and other snow-prone states chimed in, saying they see the same behavior every winter — even in places where people should know better.
TN drivers tailgating on ice-covered roads
byu/UserNameChicsOut inmildlyinfuriating
Tailgating on Ice Is a Recipe for Disaster
Driving experts consistently warn that tailgating on icy roads dramatically increases the risk of multi-vehicle crashes. When one vehicle loses traction, everyone behind them has almost no time or space to react. Even at low speeds, stopping distances can increase by several hundred percent on ice.
Some commenters admitted they now intentionally slow down when being tailgated during winter storms — not out of spite, but for survival. “I take my foot off the gas and let them lose their minds behind me,” one user wrote. “At least I’ll still be upright if something goes wrong.”
Lessons That Rarely Stick
Unfortunately, many Reddit users doubted these drivers would change their habits once the ice melts. Several noted that people who tailgate during an ice storm are unlikely to suddenly become cautious drivers in better weather.
As one blunt commenter summed it up: “Stupid is as stupid does.”
Bottom Line for Tennessee Drivers
Winter storms don’t care what you’re driving. Lift kits, oversized tires, and four-wheel drive won’t save you from ice — and tailgating only guarantees things will go wrong faster.
As the storm system slowly clears and temperatures rise, officials continue urging drivers to respect winter conditions and remember one simple rule: space saves lives.
What do you think — should drivers face harsher penalties for reckless winter driving, or is common sense already enough? Share your thoughts and stay informed with more regional safety coverage at CabarrusWeekly.
