When is it advisable to maintain a greater distance than the usual two seconds behind the vehicle in front?

Maintaining a greater distance than the usual two seconds behind the vehicle in front is especially advisable when the driving conditions are poor. Poor conditions can include factors such as wet or slippery roads, reduced visibility due to weather conditions like fog or heavy rain, or situations involving heavy traffic where stopping distances can increase dangerously.

In these situations, increased following distance provides a critical buffer, allowing for more reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or encounters trouble. This larger space helps to reduce the risk of collisions, as it provides an additional safety margin to account for the increased likelihood of sudden and unexpected movements from other vehicles on the road. The fundamental principle is that maintaining a greater following distance enables a driver to better respond to fluctuations in speed and other hazards that are more prevalent under poor driving conditions.