Question 8110
If a driver notices that the vehicle behind them is not keeping a safe following distance and is getting too close, what should they do whenever possible?
- Brake sharply to warn the driver of the vehicle behind of the risk.
- Increase the safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Immediately move onto the shoulder to let the other vehicle pass.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Increase the safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
You can't force the driver behind to back off, but you can give yourself more room ahead. With that gap, if something happens, you brake early and gently, giving them time to brake too. In the image, the rearview mirror shows a gray car very close behind. Braking sharply to warn the driver can lead to a rear-end collision. You don't have to move onto the shoulder, and if they want to pass you, keep to the right and don't accelerate.