When should you increase the following distance in front of you?

Increasing the following distance in front of you is especially important on slippery pavement. This is because slippery surfaces, whether due to rain, ice, or debris, drastically reduce traction. When traction is compromised, stopping distances increase significantly. By maintaining a greater following distance, you ensure that you have enough time to react to any unexpected changes in traffic or road conditions, and to stop safely without risking a collision. This practice helps improve overall safety while riding on less stable surfaces.

On the other hand, during daylight or on dry pavement, a closer following distance may be manageable since visibility is better and traction is more reliable. Heavy traffic situations do require caution, but the primary concern is related to the speed and movement of surrounding vehicles rather than the road's surface condition.