What should you do if you are being tailgated?

When you are being tailgated, the safest and most effective action is to change lanes or slow down gently. This response helps to create more space between your vehicle and the following vehicle without sudden movements that could lead to an accident.

Changing lanes allows the tailgating driver to pass safely, alleviating the pressure you might feel from their close proximity. If changing lanes is not possible, gently slowing down can also be effective. By doing this, you help to ensure that both you and the tailgating driver have a safer distance, reducing the likelihood of a rear-end collision should they fail to brake in time.

Other options can increase risk. Speeding up might temporarily create distance, but it can also encourage the tailgater to accelerate, potentially resulting in dangerous driving behavior. Abruptly braking can escalate the situation, as it may surprise the tailgater, leading to an unpredictable reaction. Ignoring the behavior while maintaining your speed could keep you at risk, as it does not address the immediate danger presented by the tailgater.