Which of the following is a recommended practice for highway driving?

Maintaining a safe following distance is a fundamental practice for highway driving because it provides ample space to react to the actions of the vehicle in front of you. This buffer zone helps prevent rear-end collisions, as it allows you to adjust your speed or stop if necessary without being too close to the vehicle ahead. A safe following distance is typically measured in seconds; for instance, a common guideline is to maintain a distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you under normal conditions. This practice becomes even more critical in adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic, where stopping distances can increase significantly.

In contrast, frequent lane changes can lead to unsafe driving conditions as they can cause confusion and provoke sudden maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Driving at the maximum speed limit does not account for road, traffic, or weather conditions and can compromise safety if other drivers are moving more slowly or if conditions require reduced speed. Although using cruise control can enhance comfort during long drives, relying on it at all times may decrease a driver’s attentiveness and ability to react quickly when unexpected situations arise. Thus, maintaining a safe following distance is the most effective and recommended practice for ensuring safety on highways.