When should you increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, is crucial for safety. These conditions can significantly affect the road's traction and visibility. When the road is wet or covered in snow, vehicles require a longer distance to stop safely due to reduced friction between the tires and the road surface. By maintaining a greater following distance, you provide yourself with a buffer to react to sudden stops or emergencies, giving you more time to respond while reducing the risk of a collision.

In normal weather conditions, a standard following distance may suffice because the road is typically safer, with better traction and visibility. Driving in residential areas often involves navigating through traffic, pedestrians, and parked cars, where simply maintaining a distance appropriate to the situation is essential. Maintaining the same distance at all times doesn't account for changes in driving conditions, vehicle speed, or other factors that may necessitate adjustments in following distance.