What are the three factors that affect proper following distance?

The concept of proper following distance is critical for safe driving and is influenced by several key factors. Vehicle speed, driver attention, and road conditions are crucial because they directly impact how quickly a driver can react to changing situations on the road.

Vehicle speed is fundamental; as speed increases, the distance required to safely stop also increases. If a driver is traveling at high speed, they need a greater following distance to react effectively to any sudden changes in traffic or obstacles.

Driver attention is equally important; a distracted driver may not notice changes in the environment, which can result in accidents if they are too close to the vehicle in front. Maintaining an appropriate following distance allows for a buffer that gives a driver time to react if needed.

Road conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, can drastically affect stopping distances. Adverse conditions require drivers to increase their following distance to account for longer stopping times.

Recognizing these factors helps ensure that a driver maintains a safe following distance, contributing to overall road safety. In contrast, the options that mention weather, traffic signals, or street characteristics may play a role but do not encompass the critical elements of vehicle speed and driver attentiveness that are essential for determining safe following distances.