When should you increase your following distance?

The correct answer is that increasing your following distance is important in various driving conditions, including when the vehicle in front of you is large, when driving at night, and when it’s raining.

When following a larger vehicle, such as a truck or bus, increasing the following distance allows better visibility of the road ahead. Large vehicles can obstruct your view of traffic lights, signs, and potential hazards. Maintaining extra space gives you more reaction time and a clearer perspective of what lies ahead.

Driving at night presents reduced visibility, making it difficult to judge distances and see potential hazards. Increasing your following distance at night allows more time to react to any obstacles or changes in the road conditions.

In rainy conditions, the road can become slippery, and your vehicle may require a longer stopping distance than usual. The wet pavement can affect traction, making it essential to allow more space to stop safely and avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front of you.

Each scenario emphasizes the need for increased awareness and reaction time, thus underlining the importance of maintaining a greater following distance under various conditions for overall safety on the road.