You are driving on the motorway in a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating above 3.5 t. Your speed is more than 50 km/h. Why do you have to maintain a minimum distance of 50 m to the vehicle ahead?

Maintaining a minimum distance of 50 meters from the vehicle ahead while driving a truck on the motorway is crucial for safety reasons. The selected options focus on reducing the risk of rear-end collisions and allowing more time to respond to sudden changes in traffic.

1. Reducing the risk of a rear-end collision is essential because larger vehicles like trucks require more distance to stop safely due to their weight. This distance helps prevent accidents caused by abrupt braking.

2. Having more time to respond allows drivers to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as the vehicle in front suddenly slowing down or stopping. This extra time can be critical in avoiding accidents.

In German traffic law, these principles are emphasized to ensure the safety of all road users, particularly given the challenges and longer stopping distances associated with heavier vehicles. Choosing both of the first two options reflects an understanding of the importance of distance for safe driving practices.