Lesson 6 · Passing and highways
What do you do when someone is tailgating you?
Short answer
Stay calm, keep extra space in front of you, ease off a little, and let them pass. Never brake suddenly to warn them.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Do not speed up or brake-check.
- Increase the gap to the car ahead of you.
- Move to the right lane or let them pass when it is safe.
- Stay calm. Do not make eye contact or gestures.
Why the rule works this way
If the car ahead of you stops, the tailgater will hit you. Extra space ahead lets you slow down gradually and protects both of you.
Common mistakes
- Brake-checking, which can cause a crash.
- Speeding up, which only moves the problem to a higher speed.
Questions people ask
Is it road rage?
Maybe not. Either way, getting out of their way is the safest choice.