During which condition should you increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance in adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog is crucial for safety. In these situations, visibility may be reduced and the road surface can become slippery, which affects your vehicle's traction and braking response. By maintaining a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, you create a buffer zone that allows for additional reaction time should the vehicle ahead stop suddenly or if conditions worsen. This extra space helps to reduce the likelihood of a collision and gives you more time to assess the situation and respond appropriately.

In contrast, following distance may not need to be significantly increased under clear, dry conditions or when you are familiar with the route, as those scenarios typically offer better visibility and predictable driving conditions. While driving at posted speed limits is important, it does not inherently dictate how closely you should follow another vehicle, as that decision should always account for the prevailing conditions and road behavior.