Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumFollowing Distances and Tailgating

While travelling in a steady stream of traffic along an urban dual carriageway, you notice that the driver directly behind is driving aggressively and sitting dangerously close to your rear bumper. What is the safest way to handle this situation?

  1. A
    Flash your hazard warning lights repeatedly to demand that the trailing driver backs away.
  2. Expand your safety margin by dropping further back from the vehicle ahead so you can slow down gradually if needed.Answer
  3. C
    Exceed the speed limit briefly to open up a comfortable gap behind your vehicle.
  4. D
    Move out towards the center of the road to obstruct the trailing driver's forward view.

Answer

Expand your safety margin by dropping further back from the vehicle ahead so you can slow down gradually if needed.
When followed too closely, you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This extra forward cushion allows you to brake smoothly and gradually if the traffic ahead slows down, reducing the likelihood of the trailing vehicle colliding with your rear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the trailing hazard and recognise limitations of control.
You recognise that you cannot directly control the following driver's distance, but you can control your own speed and forward spacing.
Tailgaters dramatically reduce your rear safety margin and increase the chance of a rear-end collision if you brake suddenly.
2
Adjust your forward following distance by easing off the accelerator.
A larger forward gap is created between your car and the traffic ahead.
A wider forward gap allows any necessary deceleration to be smooth and progressive, giving the tailgater ample time to react.

Key Concept

Defensive management of tailgaters by expanding forward safety cushions
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Following Distances and Tailgating

More questions from this topic