If another driver is tailgating you, which action is best?

• A. Slam on brakes
• B. Increase following distance to let them pass safely or move to another lane if possible
• C. Ignore and stay in current lane
• D. Speed up to get away

Answer: (B)

Tailgating creates a high-risk situation because you have very little time to react if the driver in front slows or stops suddenly. The best response is to increase the distance behind you by pulling back to create more following space, and if possible, let the tailgater pass or move to another lane to allow them to go ahead. This extra space gives you a safer buffer to brake gently and prevents a rear-end crash. Slamming on the brakes would surprise the driver behind you and can trigger a collision; simply ignoring the tailgater doesn’t reduce risk, and speeding up to shake them off can be illegal and dangerous. If it’s safe, signaling and changing lanes to create room is the clearest, most protective option.