What action is recommended if a vehicle is tailgating you?

When a vehicle is tailgating you, it is advisable to change lanes safely or gradually reduce your speed. This action allows you to create a safe distance between your vehicle and the tailgater, which can help prevent a collision. By changing lanes, you give the tailgating driver the opportunity to pass. If it is not safe to change lanes, reducing speed gradually can also encourage them to back off without engaging in sudden maneuvers that could lead to an accident.

The rationale behind avoiding other actions is that speeding up could intensify the risky situation by encouraging aggression or leading to a high-speed scenario where control may be lost. Braking suddenly is dangerous as it could lead to a rear-end collision, particularly if the tailgater does not anticipate it. Ignoring the tailgater and maintaining your speed does not address the potential risk they pose, which could escalate if the tailgater becomes impatient or aggressive. Therefore, the recommended action is a measured and safe response to ensure both your safety and that of other road users.