What should you do if another driver is tailgating you?

When another driver is tailgating you, changing lanes safely, if possible, is the most effective and safest response. This action allows the tailgating driver to proceed past you without the risk of a collision or exacerbating a stressful situation. By moving to another lane, you remove the pressure of being closely followed and potentially reduce the risk of a dangerous rear-end collision.

The other options may not provide a safe outcome. For instance, slowing down to encourage them to pass could lead to frustration and may even provoke aggressive driving behavior from the tailgater. Speeding up to create distance might seem like a solution, but it can be dangerous if it results in excessive speed or if traffic conditions do not allow for it. Lastly, braking suddenly to alert the driver is very unsafe and could cause an accident, as it may catch the tailgating driver off guard. Therefore, the safest and most advisable action is to change lanes safely whenever possible.