Under what conditions should you increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance is essential for maintaining safety under specific conditions that may affect your ability to react effectively to changes in traffic. The correct choice highlights that adverse weather, poor road conditions, congested traffic, or instances of being tailgated all warrant an increased following distance.

In adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, visibility and traction can be severely compromised. Extending your following distance allows for a longer reaction time and reduces the likelihood of collisions due to reduced stopping power.

Similarly, poor road conditions—like potholes, ice, or debris—can make your vehicle's handling unpredictable. A greater following distance is critical in these situations to provide sufficient time to maneuver or stop safely.

Congested traffic also requires careful consideration. Maintaining a greater distance from the vehicle ahead helps to avoid sudden stops and collisions in stop-and-go situations, allowing for a margin of safety in unpredictable traffic flows.

When being tailgated, increasing your following distance can create a buffer zone, potentially reducing the risk of being rear-ended or providing you with space to maneuver if necessary.