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Difficulty: HardFollowing Distances and Tailgating

If you are being closely followed by a tailgater, gradually easing off the accelerator to increase your separation distance from the vehicle ahead creates a safer braking buffer for both vehicles.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True. Easing off the accelerator to build a larger gap in front gives you more time to react and brake gradually, compensating for the lack of space left by the tailgater behind.
When another driver follows too closely, you lose the safety cushion behind you. The safest defensive response under Highway Code guidelines is to ease off the accelerator and double your forward gap. This ensures you will never have to brake sharply, protecting both your vehicle and the vehicle tailgating you.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the hazard created by a tailgating driver behind your vehicle.
Identified that the close-following vehicle has insufficient stopping and thinking distance.
If sudden braking is required, the close vehicle behind is at high risk of causing a rear-end collision.
2
Determine the correct defensive driving adjustment in relation to the vehicle ahead.
Gently ease off the accelerator to expand the forward gap beyond the standard separation distance.
You cannot control the distance behind, but you can control the safety margin ahead.
3
Evaluate how an expanded forward buffer manages overall risk.
A larger gap ahead enables earlier hazard anticipation and smooth, progressive deceleration.
Smooth deceleration allows the tailgater behind sufficient time and distance to slow down safely without abrupt impacts.

Key Concept

Defensive compensation for tailgating by increasing forward following distance
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Following Distances and Tailgating

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