1. Adverse Weather Conditions: In bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog, the roads become slippery and visibility decreases. To compensate for the reduced traction and limited visibility, it is advisable to increase the following distance to allow for more reaction time in case the vehicle ahead makes any sudden maneuvers or stops.
2. High-Speed Driving: When driving at higher speeds, the stopping distance of your vehicle increases. By maintaining a greater distance from the car in front, you have more time to react to any potential hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
3. Distractions: If there are distractions inside the car, such as talking to passengers, using a phone, or adjusting the radio, it is important to increase the following distance to ensure you have sufficient time to respond to unexpected situations.
4. Driving Behind Commercial Vehicles: Larger vehicles like trucks or buses have longer stopping distances and may need more space to maneuver. By maintaining a greater following distance, you can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions if the commercial vehicle needs to brake suddenly.
5. Limited Sight Distance: In situations where the road is winding, there are hills or curves, or your view is obstructed by vegetation or buildings, increasing the following distance can provide you with a better field of vision and more time to react to any obstacles or oncoming traffic.
6. Tailgating: If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, increase your following distance from the vehicle in front to avoid a potential chain reaction in case of sudden braking.
7. Defensive Driving: Practicing defensive driving techniques involves anticipating the actions of other drivers and being prepared for unexpected situations. By increasing the following distance, you give yourself more time to react and avoid any potential accidents.
Remember that the recommended following distance can vary based on factors like speed, road conditions, and traffic density, so it is important to adjust your distance accordingly to ensure safe driving.
