What should be your primary focus when an aggressive driver is tailgating you?

When an aggressive driver is tailgating you, your primary focus should be on maintaining your calm and ensuring your safety. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation and reduces the risk of an accident or conflict. By staying calm, you can make rational decisions and avoid actions that could provoke the aggressive driver further.

Prioritizing your safety involves keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and signaling your intent to change lanes or adjust your speed in a manner that is safe and controlled. This can help to alleviate the pressure from the tailgating driver without engaging in risky behaviors.

Other approaches, such as engaging verbally, could lead to further aggression, while driving aggressively in return only promotes dangerous behavior and could potentially escalate a confrontation. Using hazard lights may confuse other drivers or may be inappropriate in this context. The key is to remain focused on safe driving practices while allowing the aggressive driver the opportunity to pass safely when possible.