If you are being tailgated, what action should you take?

When you are being tailgated, slowing down to encourage the driver behind to pass is a safe and effective action. This approach helps to reduce the pressure and potential risk associated with having a vehicle so close behind you. By decreasing your speed, you create more space in front of your vehicle, allowing the tailgater to overtake you safely.

This strategy is generally preferable because it minimizes the chances of a sudden stop that could cause a rear-end collision. Additionally, encouraging the other driver to pass can lead to a safer driving environment for both you and them.

Other actions, such as speeding up or changing lanes might not always be the best course of action; speeding can exacerbate the situation by increasing danger, especially if the other driver responds unpredictably. Changing lanes should be done cautiously and only when it is safe to do so, as it might not be possible depending on traffic conditions. Turning on hazard lights can confuse other drivers about your intent and is typically not advised in this situation, as hazard lights signal an emergency rather than normal driving behavior.