If you're being tailgated, what is the best course of action?

When you are being tailgated, increasing your following distance is the best course of action because it creates a buffer zone between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This additional space allows for greater reaction time and minimizes the risk of a collision should there be a sudden stop or slowdown in traffic. By maintaining a larger following distance, you also reduce the chances of a rear-end impact, as the tailgater has more room to react to your movements.

In contrast, decreasing speed can potentially create more frustration for the tailgating driver and increase the likelihood of being hit from behind. Rapidly changing lanes may surprise the tailgater and could lead to an unsafe situation, especially in heavy traffic. Braking suddenly can cause an accident if the tailgater is not paying attention or is unable to stop in time, further putting you and your passengers at risk. Increasing your following distance promotes safety and improved reaction times, making it the most effective option.