Which action is the best response to a tailgater?

Changing lanes and allowing the tailgater to pass is the most effective response to this situation. When someone is tailgating, they are driving too closely behind your vehicle, which can create an unsafe driving condition. By moving to another lane (if it's safe to do so), you remove yourself from the tailgater’s immediate vicinity, reducing the risk of a collision and improving safety for yourself and other drivers on the road.

This action also encourages safer driving behavior from the tailgater, as they can then proceed without being impeded by your speed. It’s important to remain calm and avoid aggressive behaviors, such as speeding up or braking suddenly, which can escalate the situation and potentially lead to an accident. Keeping a level head and allowing the tailgater to pass is not only a safe practice but also reflects defensive driving principles by prioritizing safety over conflict on the road.