Practice question

What should you do when being tailgated?

  1. Accelerate to create space
  2. Increase the distance between your car and the one in front
  3. Change lanes immediately
  4. Brake suddenly to signal the tailgater

Answer: B — Increase the distance between your car and the one in front

When you are being tailgated, the appropriate action is to increase the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This approach enhances safety by providing a buffer zone, allowing you to react more effectively to any sudden changes in traffic or stop conditions. By increasing this distance, you create a safer buffer that can accommodate sudden stops, giving the tailgater more time to react as well. Maintaining a greater distance also helps to minimize the risk of a collision if the driver behind you fails to stop in time. It’s important to remain calm and composed in this situation, ensuring that both your vehicle and the tailgating vehicle have the appropriate stopping distance. This strategy helps to manage the situation better without escalating it or putting yourself in a precarious position on the road.

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