What is an essential action if a driver is tailgating you?

Increasing the following distance in front of you is an essential action when being tailgated. This approach provides several safety benefits. By allowing more space between your vehicle and the one ahead, it gives you a greater buffer zone to react in case the situation changes, such as needing to brake suddenly. A larger following distance can also help in preventing a rear-end collision if the tailgating driver misjudges their distance and rear-ends your vehicle.

Maintaining a safe gap not only helps to ensure your own safety, but it also creates extra room in which to maneuver if needed. While changing lanes may sometimes be appropriate, ensuring your own safety through increased distance is a proactive measure. Similarly, slowing down to accommodate a tailgater can create additional hazards, and signaling them to pass could invite unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior. Thus, increasing the following distance is a sound strategy for maintaining safety on the road.