Should you decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for defensive driving and overall road safety. When someone is tailgating, the safest strategy is to increase your following distance, not decrease it. This additional distance provides you with more time to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions, which can help prevent rear-end collisions.

By maintaining or even increasing your following distance, you create a buffer zone that allows you to safely stop without risking being hit from behind. It also reduces the pressure from the tailgating vehicle, as you are not responding reactively to their close proximity. Understanding this principle helps reinforce the importance of safe driving practices and maintaining awareness of your surroundings on the road.