What is the relationship between speed and following distance?

The correct answer highlights that higher speeds require greater following distances due to the increased stopping distance and reaction time needed when traveling at faster speeds. When a vehicle moves faster, it covers more ground in a shorter amount of time, which means the driver has less time to react to potential hazards or sudden stops of the vehicle ahead.

Maintaining a greater following distance at higher speeds allows for a safer buffer zone, giving drivers the necessary time to respond appropriately to unexpected situations. This practice is crucial in preventing collisions and ensuring safe driving conditions, especially in emergency situations where quick decisions must be made.

In contrast, the option stating that higher speeds require shorter following distances is fundamentally flawed because it ignores the relationship between speed and the time needed to react and stop safely. Additionally, noting that following distance should always be zero is unsafe and unrealistic, as it would lead to increased risk of rear-end collisions. The idea that speed has no effect on following distance stands in clear opposition to safe driving practices, which dictate that these two factors are intrinsically linked for road safety.