What does the distance to be maintained from the vehicle ahead depend on?

The distance that should be maintained from the vehicle ahead is determined by several factors to ensure safety on the road.

1. Visibility conditions: In poor visibility (e.g., fog, heavy rain), increasing the distance is essential as it provides more time to react to sudden stops or emergencies.
2. Speed: Higher speeds require larger stopping distances. When driving faster, you need more space to stop safely, so maintaining an appropriate distance is crucial.
3. State of the road surface: Different surfaces (wet, icy, or damaged roads) can affect vehicle handling and stopping distances. Adapting the distance according to the road conditions is necessary to prevent accidents.

According to German traffic laws, drivers are expected to adjust their following distance based on these factors to ensure safe driving practice. Failing to do so can lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents. Therefore, considering all three factors is vital for safe driving.