When should you increase your following distance?

Increasing your following distance is a key safety practice for motorcyclists. By doing so, you create a greater buffer zone, allowing for more reaction time in various situations. This is particularly important in different conditions that can challenge visibility or vehicle control.

In adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, the road surfaces can be slick, increasing stopping distances. Riding at night can also limit visibility, making it hard to see hazards, pedestrians, or road signs, which could warrant a longer following distance due to the reduced reaction time available. Additionally, if a vehicle is behind you, it may not have the same awareness or control over its braking distance, prompting the need for more space between you and the vehicle in front, in the event you have to stop suddenly.

By recognizing these circumstances — bad weather, riding at night, and the presence of a vehicle behind you — it's clear that the safest approach is to increase following distance whenever any of these situations arise. This proactive measure helps ensure that you have ample room to react to unforeseen circumstances, enhancing your overall safety on the road.