Maintaining much more space than needed for ideal conditions while driving on a slippery road is essential for safety. Slippery surfaces, such as those caused by rain, snow, or ice, can significantly reduce traction, which in turn affects the bus’s stopping distance. By increasing the following distance, you give yourself additional time to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden stops from vehicles ahead or obstacles that may appear on the road.
In addition to providing a buffer for your bus's braking ability, this increased spacing can help minimize the risk of collisions in the event that you or another driver misjudge stopping distances. It is particularly crucial during adverse weather conditions when road performance can be unpredictable. Therefore, assessing how changing conditions affect vehicle operation and adjusting following distances accordingly reflects safe driving practices, particularly for passenger transit vehicles where the safety of many passengers is at stake.