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How do you react when another driver is tailgating you? Sometimes it’s easy to get upset about someone dangerously trailing your vehicle by just a few feet. But losing control of your emotions can lead to accidents. You’re far better off to stay calm, take it easy and not let emotions influence your driving decisions. That’s a big part of being a truly defensive driver.

So what can you do to get that other driver off your tail? First, remember you don’t have to speed up. Stay within the speed limit and look for a safe opportunity to pull onto the berm of the road to let the tailgater pass. If you’re on a freeway, you may be able to change lanes to let the tailgater pass. Try not to stay too long in the passing lane unless you’re going around slower vehicles.

To keep from becoming an unwitting tailgater yourself, practice this "two-second" rule: When driving, look ahead for a marker along the road, such as a light pole. When the vehicle in front of you passes the marker, count two seconds. If your vehicle reaches the marker before you count to two, slow down – you’ll need to allow more braking distance if the car ahead suddenly stops.

When conditions are wet, icy, foggy or bumpy, increase your distance to three or more seconds to allow plenty of stopping time. And always remember to buckle up!