Why would you slow down when being tailgated -- driving test question?

Question

My driver's manual states "slow down gradually when being tailgated to avoid a collision." But tailgating is when someone is driving too closely behind you, so why wouldn't you drive faster to avoid a collision with them? I just want to understand the logic of it.

DW · Accepted Answer

Driving faster doesn't help. The tailgater speeds up and usually gets even closer.

Gradually slowing down deescalates the situation. It sends the message that this isn't going to help you and we're going to keep slowing down until you back off.

Anonymous · Answer

So that they either pass you, or that they "catch on" and back off. Never allow another driver to force you to speed up

regerugged · Answer

The advise is don't hit your brakes hard when someone is tailgating you.  It will cause a collision.

The original Peter G · Answer

You speed up, he speeds up untill one of you gets a ticket or goes off the road

Audrey · Answer

If you need to slow down or stop, the a55hole tailgating you will hit you. So if you slow dow, the wreck won't be as bad.

Why would you slow down when being tailgated -- driving test question?

5 Answers