Defensive driving also requires that you keep a cushion of space

behind your vehicle. This space allows you to avoid being involved

in a rear-end accident in cases where you need to brake quickly.

You should frequently check your rear-view mirrors to determine if

you are being tailgated.

If someone is tailgating you, you should slowly increase your

following distance (the space cushion in front of your vehicle) to

four or more seconds so that if you need to slow down, you can do

so gradually. You will be able to avoid braking suddenly and being

hit from behind by the tailgater. You should first tap your brake

lightly a few times to warn the tailgater that you are slowing down.

This will flash your brake lights. Then brake smoothly or decrease

your acceleration to increase the distance in front of your vehicle.

Because of the danger involved when you are being tailgated, it is

best to lose the tailgater as soon as you can by changing lanes. If

you can\'t change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the

tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road

when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.