What should drivers do if they encounter a tailgater?

When encountering a tailgater, the best course of action is to change lanes safely. This allows the driver to let the tailgater pass, which can help to alleviate the pressure and anxiety that can come from having someone too close behind. Changing lanes communicates to the tailgater that you are aware of their presence and are allowing them to move ahead, thereby reducing the likelihood of a potential collision or dangerous situation.

Braking suddenly could lead to an accident, as the tailgater may not have enough time to react appropriately. Speeding up can also be risky, as it may escalate the situation or lead to dangerous driving behavior. Ignoring the tailgater does not address the problem and can lead to increased stress for the driver and a greater chance of an incident occurring. Hence, changing lanes safely is the most prudent and safer decision in this scenario.