What is one purpose of maintaining a cushion of space while riding?

Maintaining a cushion of space while riding is crucial for safety, and one primary purpose for this practice is to give yourself an escape route. When you create enough distance between yourself and other vehicles, you allow for better reaction time and more options in case of sudden stops, obstacles, or emergencies. This buffer can be essential for avoiding accidents, as it gives you space to maneuver if a situation arises where you need to swerve or stop quickly.

Creating this safety margin enables you to respond effectively—whether that means changing lanes, slowing down, or even stopping—without the risk of colliding with other vehicles or objects on the road. Additionally, having an escape route in mind helps you remain calm and focused while riding, knowing that you have the space needed to make safe decisions. This approach is especially important on motorcycles, which are less stable and more vulnerable than larger vehicles.