Video lessons · Unit 1: Safe following distance

The Tailgater

Someone's riding your bumper? Do you brake-check them? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Brake-checking is asking to get hit. It's not your job to teach the guy behind you.
• Keep your course and speed: don't speed up or slam the brakes. And when it's safe, move right and let him pass.
• And give the car ahead more room. If you have to brake, you brake smoothly and early.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. Someone is tailgating you. What's the safest move?

   1. Speed up to get away
   2. Ignore it
   3. Add space ahead or let them pass
   4. Brake-check them so they back off
   Show answer

   Answer: Add space ahead or let them pass

   Brake-checking is asking for a crash. Let them go be in a hurry somewhere else.

2. 2. You're behind a school bus or a hazardous materials truck and railroad tracks are ahead. What do you expect?

   1. It will slow down but not come to a stop
   2. It will cross without stopping if no lights flash
   3. It will stop before crossing, even with no train
   4. It will pull over to let you go first
   Show answer

   Answer: It will stop before crossing, even with no train

   Those vehicles must stop at every crossing. Leave room so you don't kiss their bumper.

3. 3. You're nearing the top of a hill and can't see over it. What do you do?

   1. Pass the car ahead before the top
   2. Slow down and keep to the right
   3. Move to the middle of the road to see better
   4. Speed up so you can see over it sooner
   Show answer

   Answer: Slow down and keep to the right

   Over the top there may be a stopped car or one coming at you. Slow and to the right.

4. 4. A car is entering the freeway from the ramp next to your lane. What do you do if it's safe?

   1. Speed up so it can't get in front of you
   2. Wave at it to wait on the ramp
   3. Hold your speed and don't make room
   4. Change lanes or adjust your speed
   Show answer

   Answer: Change lanes or adjust your speed

   Give them room to get in. Today it's them, tomorrow you're the one on the ramp.

5. 5. Why look far ahead and not just at the car in front of you?

   1. So you don't have to check your mirrors
   2. To spot hazards early and brake smoothly
   3. To read the road signs before everyone else does
   4. So you can follow the car ahead closer
   Show answer

   Answer: To spot hazards early and brake smoothly

   Many handbooks say look 10 to 15 seconds ahead. You see trouble coming sooner.