Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

When following a vehicle that makes frequent stops, how much following distance should you maintain?

1. Less than usual

2. Equal to the usual distance

3. More than usual

4. Only a car length

The correct answer is: More than usual

Maintaining more than the usual following distance when following a vehicle that makes frequent stops is essential for safety. This increased distance provides you with additional time to react to any sudden stops or changes in speed the leading vehicle might make. When a vehicle is frequently stopping, like a bus or delivery truck, it may not give the driver behind it enough time to react if they are too close, potentially leading to rear-end collisions. The extra space allows you to better assess the situation ahead, helping you gauge when to start slowing down. In situations where traffic conditions may also vary, having more distance can accommodate unexpected actions from the vehicle in front or sudden obstacles that may appear in the road. Therefore, the correct approach is to increase your following distance to ensure a safe buffer between you and the vehicle making frequent stops.