What should you do as the size and speed of your vehicle increase while following?

• A. Increase your following distance.
• B. Decrease your following distance.
• C. Keep it the same.
• D. Switch to hazard flashers.

Answer: (A)

When you’re behind a larger, faster vehicle, you need more space to see, react, and stop safely. Heavier, bigger vehicles have greater momentum, which means longer braking distances. As speed increases, your perception and reaction time plus the actual stopping distance grow, and for large vehicles the braking response can take even longer. Providing extra following distance gives you the time to notice a change, decide, and brake smoothly without colliding with the vehicle in front. Hazard flashers don’t substitute for that space and aren’t a safe way to compensate for the longer stopping distances. So increasing your following distance is the best practice in this situation.