What should a rider do if being tailgated?

When a rider is being tailgated, it's crucial to create distance between themselves and the vehicle behind them to ensure safety. Changing lanes or increasing speed can help to increase the gap, allowing for more reaction time in case of an emergency. This strategy is essential because tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions, especially if the rider needs to stop suddenly. By moving to another lane or accelerating, the rider not only reduces the immediate risk but also encourages the tailgater to reconsider maintaining their close proximity.

Maintaining a safe distance from vehicles behind is a cornerstone of defensive riding, as it provides more room to maneuver in the event of sudden stops or obstacles on the road. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of awareness and decision-making while riding.