What is the rule regarding following distances when behind a larger vehicle?

When driving behind a larger vehicle, the recommended approach is to increase the following distance. Larger vehicles, such as trucks or buses, have bigger blind spots and can obstruct your view of the road ahead. By maintaining a greater distance, you allow yourself more time to react to any sudden changes in traffic conditions or unexpected stops by the larger vehicle. This additional space not only enhances safety for yourself but also enables you to see beyond the larger vehicle, improving your overall situational awareness on the road.

In contrast, following the same distance as with a standard car may not account for the unique dynamics of larger vehicles, which can create a false sense of security given their size. Decreasing the following distance is unsafe, as it reduces your reaction time and increases the risk of a collision. The option suggesting to only follow closer when safe does not provide a clear guideline for driving behavior; it is always safest to maintain a greater distance behind larger vehicles regardless of the specific situation.