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Difficulty: MediumSpace Behind and Tailgaters

When being tailgated by another vehicle, a commercial motor vehicle driver should increase the following distance between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True. When followed closely by a tailgater, a commercial driver must increase the space cushion in front of their vehicle.
Expanding the forward following distance gives the commercial driver sufficient space to slow down gently, eliminating the need for abrupt braking that would likely trigger a rear-end crash with the tailgater.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary hazard of a tailgating vehicle
Recognize that a tailgater eliminates the rear safety buffer and cannot be directly controlled by the commercial driver.
Understanding the risk highlights the need to manage all surrounding space that remains within the driver's control.
2
Apply standard commercial vehicle space management principles
Increase following distance from the vehicle ahead by easing off the throttle.
Opening up extra room in front ensures the commercial driver will not need to brake suddenly, which protects both vehicles.
3
Evaluate the safety statement
Confirm that increasing forward distance is the correct defensive driving procedure.
Commercial driver safety manuals mandate adding forward space cushion when rear space cushion is compromised.

Key Concept

Compensatory forward space cushion management in tailgating situations
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Space Behind and Tailgaters

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