Mississippi Written Drivers Test Practice

What is an essential action to take if you begin to tailgate?

1. Increase your speed

2. Maintain your distance

3. Change lanes frequently

4. Ignore the distance

The correct answer is: Maintain your distance

Maintaining your distance is crucial when you find yourself tailgating. Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely, which can reduce the time available to react to sudden stops or emergencies. By maintaining a safe distance, you give yourself ample space and time to respond to the actions of the vehicle in front of you. This distance allows for better visibility and reduces the risk of a collision, especially in unpredictable traffic conditions. Increasing your speed would only exacerbate the dangerous situation by reducing your reaction time and increasing the likelihood of an accident. Changing lanes frequently can also lead to erratic driving behavior and potentially confuse other drivers, creating further risks on the road. Ignoring the distance is the least prudent choice, as it disregards the fundamental principle of safe driving practices, which is to maintain a safe buffer zone from other vehicles to enhance overall safety for everyone on the road.