South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

What should you do if someone is driving aggressively behind you?

1. Speed up and try to lose them

2. Slow down and let them pass

3. Brake suddenly to scare them

4. Pull over and wait for them to leave

The correct answer is: Slow down and let them pass

When someone is driving aggressively behind you, the best course of action is to slow down and allow them to pass. This approach prioritizes safety and helps de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. Aggressive drivers may be tailgating or behaving erratically, and maintaining a safe distance from them can prevent a collision. By allowing them to pass, you remove the immediate pressure they may feel to drive aggressively and help reduce the risk of an incident both for yourself and for other road users. This strategy also creates space between you and the aggressive driver, which contributes to a calmer driving environment. It's important to stay calm and avoid engaging with the aggressive driver, as this can sometimes provoke further aggressive behavior. In contrast, speeding up to try to lose them could lead to reckless driving and increase the chances of an accident. Braking suddenly is dangerous as it might cause a rear-end collision, and pulling over to wait may not always be safe or practical, especially if you are on a busy road or highway. Therefore, allowing the aggressive driver to pass is the safest and most responsible action.