Final answer:
Increasing following distance behind a large truck is vital due to their potential to suddenly stop, limited visibility leading to abrupt lane changes, and the possibility of kicking up debris. It also provides the necessary reaction time and reduced collision risk in various driving conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When following a large truck, you should increase your following distance because it's not only about the sudden stops that trucks might make, but also about the various other risks associated with these large vehicles. Increasing the following distance ensures that you have enough space to react accordingly if the truck suddenly stops, have poor visibility, kick up debris, or change lanes abruptly. Knowing how long it takes for a truck to stop requires understanding the distance the truck covers before the driver hits the brakes and the total stopping distance, which includes the truck's deceleration and the driver's reaction time.
For example, if a truck is traveling at a constant velocity and suddenly needs to brake due to a hazard on the road, the safety margin provided by a greater following distance can give you the time needed to react and avoid a collision. This is especially crucial if conditions are poor, such as in cases where the truck is kicking up spray on wet roads, making it harder to see. Moreover, trucks have larger blind spots, making it potentially dangerous if they decide to change lanes when you are too close. Hence, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from large trucks on the road.