When should you increase the distance in front of you while riding?

Increasing the distance in front of you while riding is particularly important in situations involving slippery pavement or heavy traffic. On slippery surfaces, such as wet roads, ice, or gravel, stopping distances can be significantly increased due to reduced traction. By maintaining a greater following distance, a rider allows more time to react to unexpected events, such as braking suddenly or encountering obstacles.

In heavy traffic, the likelihood of abrupt changes in speed or direction by other vehicles is higher. A greater distance provides more time to assess the situation and respond safely, which is crucial for preventing accidents. This buffer is essential for ensuring that you can stop safely without colliding with other vehicles.

In contrast, riding in clear weather generally allows for shorter following distances, as visibility and road conditions are not as compromised. Using both brakes may provide a stable stop but doesn’t inherently require more distance; rather, it could be appropriate to do so under normal conditions. While accelerating does necessitate awareness of surrounding vehicles, it doesn't demand an overall increase in distance, as the rider is still in motion and may adjust distance based on their speed. Thus, the ideal scenario for increasing distance arises from the hazards presented by slippery conditions or congested traffic.