What should you do if weather and road conditions are poor while following another vehicle?

When weather and road conditions are poor, increasing your following distance is crucial for safety. Poor conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can significantly reduce your vehicle's traction and the effectiveness of your brakes. By adding additional following distance, you allow yourself more time to react if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly brakes or if the road conditions worsen. This extra space helps to prevent collisions by lowering the risk that you will be unable to stop in time.

Maintaining a normal following distance or decreasing it would not take into account the compromised conditions; in fact, they increase your risk of an accident. Tailgating, which involves following too closely, drastically diminishes your ability to stop safely and effectively in poor conditions, making it a dangerous practice that should always be avoided.