If you are being tailgated while driving, what should you do?

Increasing your following distance is an effective strategy when you find yourself being tailgated. By doing so, you create a larger buffer zone between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This not only allows for more reaction time in case of sudden stops but also minimizes the risk of an accident should the tailgating driver misjudge the closing distance.

In essence, increasing your following distance can help you maintain control of the situation. This approach sends a message to the tailgater that there is enough space to pass safely, thereby reducing the pressure they may feel to close in even further.

While other responses might seem plausible, they could lead to complications. For example, increasing speed could encourage the tailgater to do the same or create risky situations if other factors, such as traffic or road conditions, change. Slowing down to let the tailgater pass is sometimes effective; however, it can be dangerous if done abruptly or in heavy traffic. Rapidly changing lanes can create an unpredictable scenario and increase the likelihood of collision, especially if other vehicles are present.