When should you increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance is particularly important in bad weather or heavy traffic because these conditions significantly affect your ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. In adverse weather—such as rain, snow, or fog—the stopping distance of your vehicle increases due to reduced traction and visibility. Heavy traffic can also create unpredictable driving situations, where vehicles may stop or slow down unexpectedly. By maintaining a greater following distance, you give yourself more time to react appropriately, which can help prevent collisions and enhance overall safety.

Other conditions, such as driving alone or at night, may necessitate some degree of cautious driving, but they do not inherently require a longer following distance the way that adverse weather or heavy traffic situations do. Carrying passengers could impact how you drive, but the fundamental reason for increasing following distance stems from road conditions rather than the number of occupants in the vehicle.