What happens to your following distance as your vehicle's speed increases?

As the speed of your vehicle increases, your following distance should increase as well. This is due to the fact that at higher speeds, your vehicle will cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, meaning you need more distance to react to any potential hazards or changes in traffic conditions. A greater following distance allows you to maintain enough time to respond safely if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or encounters a problem.

The rationale behind increasing your following distance at higher speeds is rooted in the physics of stopping distance, which includes both perception time and reaction time. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop, both because of the increased speed and because your perception and reaction times demand a greater buffer. Therefore, maintaining an adequate following distance is crucial for safety, allowing for sufficient reaction time and space to maneuver if necessary.