Why should you increase your following distance in adverse conditions?

Increasing your following distance in adverse conditions is crucial because it allows you more time to complete the IDPE process, which stands for Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute. When driving in less-than-ideal conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic, the ability to identify potential hazards and react appropriately becomes even more vital.

A greater following distance provides a buffer zone, giving you the necessary time to spot any risks ahead—such as sudden stops from the vehicle in front or obstacles on the road. It also gives you additional time to predict possible scenarios, decide on the best course of action, and execute that decision safely. The key is to ensure that you can respond to any changes quickly and effectively, minimizing the risk of accidents in challenging driving situations.

While other options might address different aspects of driving behavior, they do not contribute to safe driving practices in adverse conditions like increasing following distance does.