You are driving a 53-foot box trailer in the right lane of a four-lane outer loop expressway when a pickup truck matches your speed and follows inches from your rear bumper. What is the proper defensive driving action to take in this situation?
- AAccelerate above the posted speed limit until adequate separation is established behind your trailer.
- Gradually ease off the throttle to widen the forward gap ahead of your truck, enabling gentle deceleration if traffic slows.Answer
- CTap your service brakes repeatedly to flash your brake lights and signal the trailing driver to drop back.
- DSteer quickly onto the shoulder to force the trailing driver to pass immediately.
Answer
Gradually ease off the throttle to widen the forward gap ahead of your truck, enabling gentle deceleration if traffic slows.
When followed too closely by another vehicle, the safest defensive response is to widen the space cushion in front of your vehicle. This extra space ahead allows you to brake slowly and smoothly if hazards arise, which protects the tailgater from running into the back of your trailer and encourages them to safely pass.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Managing Space Behind and Tailgaters by Increasing Forward Following Distance
Estimated Time:1m 0s