What should you do if you are approached by a tailgater?
Answer: B — Change lanes or gradually reduce speed to increase following distance
If you are approached by a tailgater, the best response is to change lanes or gradually reduce your speed to create a larger following distance. This approach helps to alleviate the pressure from the tailgater by providing them with more space and reducing the chance of a rear-end collision. By changing lanes, you can allow the tailgater to pass safely, which will eliminate the stressful situation altogether. Gradually reducing your speed also allows you to maintain control of your vehicle while safely increasing the distance between you and the tailgater. This is a much safer choice than speeding up or braking abruptly, which can lead to dangerous scenarios, including potential accidents. Maintaining your speed when tailgated could encourage the driver to take more dangerous actions, such as trying to pass aggressively or becoming distracted by their impatience. Thus, creating space is the most effective method to manage the situation safely.