Florida Class E Knowledge ExamSafe Driving PracticesEasy
You are driving on a multi-lane highway and notice a vehicle behind you is tailgating. What is the safest defensive driving action to take?
- ATap your brakes repeatedly to alert the tailgater to their close proximity.
- BMaintain your current speed and lane, ignoring the tailgater.
- CSpeed up to increase the distance between your vehicle and the tailgater.
- DGently slow down and move to another lane if possible, allowing them to pass.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Gently slow down and move to another lane if possible, allowing them to pass.
When encountering a tailgater, it is best to provide them with an opportunity to pass to avoid a potential rear-end collision. Gently slowing down and changing lanes, if safe, achieves this.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tapping brakes can be perceived as aggressive, potentially angering the tailgater or causing a sudden brake, increasing collision risk.
- B. Ignoring a tailgater does not mitigate the danger; it maintains a high-risk situation where a sudden stop could lead to a crash.
- C. Speeding up can lead to exceeding the speed limit and may not resolve the tailgating issue, potentially escalating danger.
Managing Tailgaters
Defensive driving techniques used to safely handle situations where a vehicle is following too closely.
- Create space ahead of your vehicle.
- Allow the tailgater to pass if possible.
- Avoid aggressive responses.
Memory trick: Shield yourself from road dangers, always create an escape route.