What should a rider do if they are being closely followed?

When a rider is being closely followed, flashing the brake light before slowing is an effective strategy. This action serves as an early warning to the driver behind, indicating that the rider is about to decrease their speed. By doing this, the rider helps prevent a potential rear-end collision, as it gives the following driver a visual cue to adjust their speed accordingly.

This approach promotes safety by providing more awareness to the tailgater and allows them to react in time, giving both the rider and the driver a better chance to avoid an accident. This is particularly crucial in situations where a sudden stop might be necessary due to changing traffic conditions or hazards.

Other strategies may not be as effective: accelerating to create distance can lead to unsafe speeds or decreased control; ignoring the tailgater does not mitigate the risk of a crash; and changing lanes frequently can confuse the driver behind and does not guarantee increased safety. Therefore, flashing the brake light is a proactive and clear communication method that prioritizes safety for all road users.