Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test 2025 - Free Defensive Driving Practice Questions and Study Guide

Maintaining a steady speed is the most suitable response to a driver who is tailgating. By keeping a consistent speed, you avoid sudden changes that could increase the risk of an accident. This approach also helps to signal to the tailgating driver that you are not going to engage in erratic driving behaviors, which can escalate the situation.

If you were to speed up to create distance, it might lead the tailgating driver to also accelerate, potentially resulting in a more dangerous situation. Changing lanes immediately could work to some extent, but it also depends on traffic conditions and could lead to an unsafe maneuver if done abruptly. Braking suddenly is particularly dangerous, as it could cause the tailgating driver to rear-end your vehicle, leading to a collision. Therefore, maintaining a steady speed is the safest and most prudent option when dealing with a tailgater.