To increase your space cushion in hazardous conditions, what should you do to your normal following distance?

To increase your space cushion in hazardous conditions, you should double your normal following distance. This is crucial because a greater following distance provides more time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or obstacles on the road. When driving in adverse conditions, including rain, snow, or fog, the stopping distance increases due to reduced traction. By maintaining a longer following distance, you create a buffer zone that allows for safer maneuvering and helps prevent collisions.

Keeping your normal following distance might not provide enough reaction time in these situations, and halving it would significantly decrease the space between you and the vehicle ahead, increasing the risk of an accident. Tripling your following distance can be excessive in many scenarios and might not be practical for everyday driving conditions. Therefore, doubling it strikes a balance between safety and control, especially in hazardous conditions.