How can you tell if you are being tailgated?

To identify if you are being tailgated, observing the distance between your vehicle and the one behind you is crucial. If the vehicle behind is following too closely, it creates a dangerous situation, limiting your ability to safely brake or maneuver. Ideally, there should be several car lengths of space, allowing for sufficient stopping distance. When the following vehicle is too close, this indicates that the driver may not be maintaining a safe distance, which is a key characteristic of tailgating.

While checking your mirrors, noticing reflections, listening for engine noises, or feeling vibrations might help you to gauge the presence of other vehicles, these methods aren't as reliable or direct as assessing the actual distance. Distance provides a clear and measurable indication of tailgating, making it the most effective way to determine if you're being closely followed.