How should you respond to a tailgater?

Maintaining a safe speed and changing lanes or pulling over if it’s safe to let a tailgater pass is the most effective and safe response to this situation. Tailgating increases the risk of a collision, as the tailgater is much closer than recommended following distances, reducing all drivers' reaction time to emergencies. By allowing the tailgater to pass, you can alleviate the pressure they may be exerting on you and reduce the chances of a rear-end collision.

This approach demonstrates an understanding of defensive driving principles, prioritizing safety for all roadway users, including yourself and the tailgater. It encourages a calm response rather than escalating tensions, which could lead to reckless driving behaviors.

In contrast, other responses like speeding up to escape their proximity may put you at risk of losing control or breaking speed limits, thereby increasing the chance of an accident. Ignoring a tailgater while continuing to drive normally could be a passive approach that keeps the risk of a rear-end crash alive. Lastly, braking suddenly could provoke aggressive behavior from the tailgater, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.