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Difficulty: HardSpace Behind and Tailgaters

You are driving a 65-foot combination vehicle at 50 mph on a two-lane rural highway with oncoming traffic. A passenger vehicle is tailgating closely behind your trailer as you approach a downgrade. What is the safest and most effective defensive driving action to manage the space behind your vehicle?

  1. A
    Accelerate moderately to widen the gap between your trailer and the trailing vehicle before beginning the descent.
  2. B
    Tap your brake pedal repeatedly to flash the brake lights and signal the following driver to back off.
  3. Gradually reduce your speed to increase your following distance ahead, allowing room for smooth braking and facilitating a safe pass.Answer
  4. D
    Close the gap with any forward traffic to match the prevailing flow and discourage the tailgater from attempting to pass.

Answer

Gradually reduce your speed to increase your following distance ahead, allowing room for smooth braking and facilitating a safe pass.
When being tailgated, commercial drivers should increase their following distance ahead by easing off the accelerator. Adding space in front provides the time and distance needed to brake gently and gradually, protecting the vehicle from being rear-ended while also encouraging the tailgater to pass safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the risk created by the vehicle following too closely.
Recognize that you cannot directly control the space behind your commercial motor vehicle.
Tailgaters eliminate rear reaction margins, creating severe rear-end collision risks if sudden braking is required.
2
Adjust the forward space cushion to compensate for the lack of rear space.
Ease off the throttle to add extra following distance between your vehicle and any traffic or obstacles ahead.
A larger forward buffer eliminates the need for sudden deceleration, allowing gentle and gradual braking that gives the tailgater adequate time to react.
3
Facilitate a safe resolution to the tailgating situation.
Maintain a steady, controlled lower speed to make it easier and safer for the tailgater to overtake when a legal passing opportunity arises.
Encouraging a clean pass safely removes the hazard from behind your vehicle.

Key Concept

Defensive space management when handling tailgaters
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Space Behind and Tailgaters

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