What is the best response to sudden lane changes by other drivers?

Staying calm and maintaining a safe distance is the best response to sudden lane changes by other drivers because it prioritizes safety and allows for better reaction time. When other drivers make abrupt lane changes, they may be unaware of your vehicle's proximity, which can create hazardous situations. By remaining calm, you can assess the situation without panicking, which helps you make more rational decisions.

Maintaining a safe distance gives you the necessary room to maneuver in case the driver who changed lanes does not signal or does so erratically. It allows you to react appropriately, whether that means slowing down, changing lanes yourself, or simply observing the behavior of the other driver. This approach minimizes the risk of collision and supports a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

In contrast, options such as honking loudly may escalate tensions or distract other drivers, changing lanes immediately without assessing the situation could lead to dangerous encounters, and speeding up to pass can increase the likelihood of an accident if the other driver does not see you. Therefore, calmness combined with maintaining a safe distance is the most defensive and responsible action to take.