Which statement about braking and tailgaters is true?

Which statement about braking and tailgaters is true?

• A. You should always slam on your brakes to deter tailgaters.
• B. You should brake abruptly to signal intent.
• C. Flashing brake lights before slowing down helps others notice you.
• D. Using your horn alone is sufficient.

Answer: (C)

When you’re riding, communicating your speed change to riders behind you is crucial for preventing rear-end crashes caused by tailgaters. The best way to do that is to use your brake light to warn others that you’re about to slow down. Flashing brake lights before you slow down grabs attention and gives following riders time to ease off the throttle and create more space. It cues them to reduce speed gradually, so they don’t collide with you if you brake suddenly. This is a proactive signal that enhances safety for everyone on the road. Slamming on your brakes or braking abruptly sends a sudden, hard change in speed that can startle or surprise the rider behind you and may force them to react unpredictably. Relying on a horn alone doesn’t clearly communicate that you’re reducing speed and can be ignored or misinterpreted in traffic.

When you’re riding, communicating your speed change to riders behind you is crucial for preventing rear-end crashes caused by tailgaters. The best way to do that is to use your brake light to warn others that you’re about to slow down.

Flashing brake lights before you slow down grabs attention and gives following riders time to ease off the throttle and create more space. It cues them to reduce speed gradually, so they don’t collide with you if you brake suddenly. This is a proactive signal that enhances safety for everyone on the road.

Slamming on your brakes or braking abruptly sends a sudden, hard change in speed that can startle or surprise the rider behind you and may force them to react unpredictably. Relying on a horn alone doesn’t clearly communicate that you’re reducing speed and can be ignored or misinterpreted in traffic.