What is the primary reason for maintaining a safe following distance behind a tractor-trailer?

Maintaining a safe following distance behind a tractor-trailer is crucial to provide enough time to react in the event of sudden stops. Large trucks like tractor-trailers have a longer stopping distance compared to smaller vehicles due to their weight and size. When you keep a safe distance, you ensure that you have ample space to respond in an emergency situation, such as if the truck driver has to brake quickly. This reaction time can be the difference between avoiding a collision and being involved in an accident.

While it may seem appealing to consider changing lanes quickly or preventing the truck from swerving, those options do not address the fundamental safety concern of unexpected stops. Additionally, allowing the tractor-trailer to speed up does not contribute to safe driving practices and can actually lead to more hazardous situations. Hence, the emphasis on maintaining a sufficient following distance directly relates to enhancing safety on the road.