Tennessee Permit Practice Test

What should you do if another driver is tailgating you?

1. Speed up

2. Change lanes and let them pass

3. Brake suddenly to indicate your speed

4. Ignore them and maintain your speed

The correct answer is: Change lanes and let them pass

When another driver is tailgating you, changing lanes and allowing them to pass is the safest and most effective response. This action reduces the risk of a rear-end collision, which is a common consequence of tailgating. By letting the aggressive driver move ahead, you can maintain your own safety and peace of mind without exacerbating the tension on the road. Maintaining your speed or ignoring the tailgater can lead to a situation where you are under undue stress and are at risk if the tailgating driver fails to react in time, which could cause an accident. Sudden braking could also create a hazardous situation, as it may not only surprise the tailgater but could also involve an innocent driver behind them. Speeding up could further aggravate the situation, leading to reckless behavior from the tailgater.