Question 8109
When traffic is not flowing smoothly, what precaution should the driver of the last vehicle in a line take to reduce the risk of being rear-ended?
- Reduce the safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Drive partially on the right shoulder.
- Watch in the rearview mirror for vehicles approaching from behind.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Watch in the rearview mirror for vehicles approaching from behind.
When a line of traffic slows or stops, the last vehicle is the first one at risk of being rear-ended. Check your rearview mirror often to see if someone is approaching quickly and give yourself time to react. In the image, the blue passenger car is last in line. Getting too close to the vehicle ahead leaves you no room, and a passenger car must not drive on the shoulder except in an emergency.