American Safety Council Defensive Driving Practice Exam

Establishing a safe following distance is crucial for preparing for sudden stops while driving. This practice allows for an appropriate buffer between your vehicle and the one in front of you, giving you sufficient time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes. By maintaining a safe distance, you reduce the risk of a collision, as it provides an opportunity to stop smoothly without having to make sudden maneuvers.

In addition, a safe following distance enhances your overall situational awareness; it allows you to see what is happening on the road ahead more clearly, giving you the time to make informed driving decisions well before you need to react. This is particularly important in traffic situations, where vehicles may come to a sudden stop due to various unforeseen circumstances.

The other options do not promote safe driving practices conducive to handling sudden stops. For instance, keeping your foot on the gas pedal contradicts the action needed to stop safely, while maintaining a shorter following distance increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision. Frequently changing lanes can lead to unpredictability and may also impede your ability to maintain a safe following distance.