Final answer:
Increase the following distance time interval fourfold during bad weather for safety due to longer stopping distances and decreased visibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
During bad weather, the following distance time interval should be increased to account for decreased visibility and longer stopping distances. In wet or icy conditions, it's widely recommended to increase the following distance time by fourfold, keeping the distance you follow other cars much greater than in normal driving conditions. This increased gap allows for a safe amount of space to stop in the event of a sudden slowdown or stop in traffic.
Speed, which equals distance divided by time, is crucial when determining the safe driving distance. For instance, a car traveling at 30.0 m/s on wet pavement will have a significantly longer braking distance compared to dry conditions, requiring a longer time to stop safely. Adapting to weather-related limitations, like low visibility and slippery roads by adjusting speed and following distance, enhances road safety remarkably.