Final answer:
The statement is false because all drivers, regardless of their reaction time, need to maintain a safe following distance that accounts for both reaction distance and braking distance. This allows for unpredictability and varying road conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Good drivers need very little space between them and other vehicles because they have much better reactions than other drivers" is False. Even if a driver has excellent reactions, they still need to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them. This is because the total stopping distance includes not only the reaction time but also the time it takes for the car to come to a stop after the brakes are applied. Factors such as road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance can all affect the stopping distance, regardless of the driver's abilities.
To safely operate a car, a driver must account for both their reaction time and the stopping distance. The stopping distance is the combination of reaction distance (the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time) and braking distance (the distance it takes to stop after the brakes are engaged).
Safe driving practices dictate that maintaining adequate space between vehicles is essential to allow for unpredictable events and varying road conditions. This is a key component of defensive driving, which aims to reduce risks associated with potential hazards on the road.