What is important to maintain when driving heavy vehicles?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial when driving heavy vehicles due to their size, weight, and longer stopping distances. Heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, require more time to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles. If a driver does not keep an appropriate following distance, there is an increased risk of collision, especially in emergency situations where sudden stops are necessary.

A safe following distance allows the driver enough time to react to the vehicle in front, considering the potential for sudden braking or changes in speed. It's especially important on wet or slippery roads where stopping distances can increase significantly. By maintaining a proper distance, drivers can better manage their vehicle’s larger inertia and ensure safer driving conditions for themselves and others on the road.

In contrast, while consistent speed, quick reactions to traffic signs, and steady acceleration patterns can be important for safe driving, they do not directly address the unique challenges posed by the dynamics and responsiveness of heavy vehicles as effectively as maintaining a safe following distance does.