What is the risk of following too closely behind a large vehicle?

• A. Improved fuel efficiency.
• B. Reduced visibility and longer stopping distance.
• C. Faster braking response.
• D. Better vehicle maneuverability.

Answer: (B)

Following too closely behind a large vehicle removes two important safety cushions: your ability to see what’s ahead and the space you need to stop. A big truck or bus can block your view of brake lights, signals, and traffic ahead, so you might not notice a slowdown or hazard until it’s too late. Heavier vehicles take longer to stop, so if the truck in front of you brakes suddenly, you need more distance to react and stop without hitting it. You’re also more likely to sit in the large vehicle’s blind spots, especially directly behind, making you harder to see and harder for the driver to notice you if they need to brake or change lanes. The safer rule is to keep a generous following distance—enough to see the vehicle ahead clearly and have time to stop, and even more space in rain, snow, or low visibility.