Which is a safe practice for managing a tailgater?

When managing a tailgater, slowing down to allow for a safe following distance is a recommended practice. This approach gives the tailgater more space and time to react, thereby reducing the risk of a rear-end collision. By decreasing your speed, you create a larger buffer between your vehicle and the tailgater, which is especially important because doing so allows the tailgater to decide whether to slow down, pass you, or change lanes safely without the tension of being too close.

Creating distance in this manner is a proactive strategy, as it can help alleviate the pressure felt by the tailgater and encourages safer driving behavior. It demonstrates defensive driving; rather than escalating the situation, you are taking steps to ensure your own safety and that of other road users.

Accelerating, changing lanes frequently, or ignoring the tailgater are less effective strategies that could potentially lead to hazardous situations. Acceleration may provoke the tailgater to match your speed, while frequent lane changes could create confusion or lead to risky maneuvers. Ignoring the tailgater completely can increase the likelihood of an accident, especially if the tailgater's behavior becomes aggressive. Therefore, by slowing down to establish a safe distance, you utilize a calm and