What is the proper response when your brake lights come on?

The proper response when your brake lights come on is to prepare to stop. When the brake lights are activated, it indicates to other drivers that you are slowing down or coming to a stop. This is a crucial communication signal on the road, and acknowledging it means you need to be ready to either come to a complete stop or reduce your speed. By preparing to stop, you are ensuring your safety and the safety of others around you, as sudden stops can lead to accidents if other drivers are not aware of your intentions.

Being aware of your surroundings is important, so while checking for tailgaters can be a good practice, the primary action should always be to prepare to stop when the brake lights engage. Accelerating or changing lanes in this situation could lead to dangerous outcomes, as other drivers may not expect a sudden change in your vehicle's speed or direction.