What should you do if you are being tailgated?

When you are being tailgated, the most effective response is to change lanes or gradually increase your speed to create distance between your vehicle and the driver who is tailgating you. This approach helps to alleviate the pressure and potential danger caused by the tailgating driver. By creating more space, you reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision, which is a common risk when someone is following too closely.

Gradually increasing your speed allows you to maintain control of your vehicle while ensuring that you are not making sudden movements that could startle the tailgater or other drivers. If the road conditions and traffic allow, changing lanes can also be a safe way to let the tailgater pass, allowing you to continue your drive without the stress of being followed too closely.

In contrast, braking suddenly can lead to an accident, as the tailgating driver may not have enough time to react properly. Staying in your lane and ignoring the driver may not be prudent if their behavior poses a risk to your safety. Overtaking at high speed can be dangerous and reckless, further escalating the situation rather than resolving it. Thus, gradually increasing speed or changing lanes is the safest and most responsible way to handle a tailgater.