In what situations is it particularly important to increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance is especially crucial in adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic due to the increased likelihood of hazards and reduced stopping times. In bad weather like rain, ice, or fog, the road can become slippery, requiring a longer distance to safely stop. Heavy traffic can also lead to sudden stops and unpredictable movements from other vehicles, making extra space essential for your reaction time. By maintaining a greater distance, a rider has more time to assess the situation ahead and react accordingly, significantly enhancing safety.

While group riding, road construction, and approaching a red light can all require adjustments to following distance, they do not pose the same level of urgency for increased distance. In groups, riders may need to maintain specific spacing but not necessarily increase it beyond normal safety limits unless conditions change. Road construction may present obstacles but is often managed with signage and reduced speeds. When approaching a red light, there's typically a consistent expectation for stopping, making the standard following distance sufficient in that context. In contrast, adverse weather and heavy traffic situations create unpredictable dynamics that heighten the need for extra caution.