Increase your following distance when driving behind a large vehicle:
To better see around the sides of the vehicle.
Because other drivers tend to pull behind large vehicles before trying to pass them.
Because following too closely will get you caught in the vehicle’s slipstream.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is “To better see around the sides of the vehicle.”
Explanation:
When driving behind a large vehicle, such as a truck or bus, increasing your following distance is important for safety and visibility. Large vehicles have significant blind spots, both to the rear and to the sides, which makes it difficult for the driver to see other vehicles behind them or approaching from the side. By increasing your following distance, you gain a better line of sight around the vehicle. This allows you to better anticipate traffic conditions and respond to potential hazards, such as sudden braking or lane changes by the large vehicle.
Here’s why following at a greater distance is crucial:
- Improved Visibility: Large vehicles, especially trucks, can obscure your view of the road ahead, including other vehicles, traffic signals, or important signage. By staying farther behind, you can see past the vehicle and observe the flow of traffic, upcoming hazards, and changes in road conditions. This improved visibility helps you make better decisions while driving.
- Safety Margin: Large vehicles require more space to maneuver, particularly when turning or changing lanes. By maintaining a longer following distance, you give yourself extra time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down, swerves, or changes lanes. This is especially critical on highways or busy roads.
- Avoiding the Blind Spot: Trucks and buses have large blind spots, which are areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles, especially those to the side or directly behind them. By keeping a safe distance, you reduce the likelihood of being in a blind spot, allowing the large vehicle’s driver to notice your presence more easily.
In contrast, tailgating or following too closely behind a large vehicle can put you at risk of not having enough time to react in case of sudden changes in the vehicle’s speed or direction. Additionally, driving too closely can also be dangerous because you may not be able to see what is happening in front of the large vehicle, increasing the chance of a collision if something unexpected occurs.