You are being tailgated by the driver behind you. What is the safest response?

• A.Brake hard to teach them a lesson
• B.Speed up to match their pressure
• C.Increase your following distance ahead and let the tailgater pass when possible
• D.Slow to a crawl in the passing lane

Why

You cannot control the driver behind you, but extra space ahead gives you room to brake gently. Moving over or letting them pass removes the danger.

Manual topic: NY Driver's Manual (MV-21) - Chapter 8: Defensive Driving · From the New York Learner's Permit (Car) practice bank (NYC-035).

Practice the full New York Learner's Permit (Car) test

More Speed Limits & Following Distance questions

• Unless a lower limit is posted, what is the maximum speed limit anywhere in New York State?
• Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit in New York City?
• Posted speed limits tell you:
• You are driving in heavy rain and visibility is poor. What should you do about your speed?
• Under ideal conditions, what minimum following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?