Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What should you do if another driver is tailgating you?

1. Accelerate to get away from them

2. Change lanes or slow down to let them pass

3. Stop suddenly to teach them a lesson

4. Ignore them and keep driving

The correct answer is: Change lanes or slow down to let them pass

When another driver is tailgating you, changing lanes or slowing down to let them pass is the safest and most responsible action to take. Tailgating can create dangerous situations on the road, as it reduces the following driver's reaction time in case of an emergency. By allowing the tailgating driver to pass, you reduce the risk of a rear-end collision, which could occur if the tailgater misjudges safe stopping distance or becomes impatient. Additionally, maintaining a calm and controlled response can help prevent road rage incidents. Rather than accelerating, which might provoke more aggressive driving behavior, or stopping suddenly, which could create a dangerous scenario, facilitating the other driver’s exit from your immediate vicinity promotes safer driving conditions for both parties. Ignoring the tailgater can leave you vulnerable to their unpredictable behaviors, making it a less advisable choice.