What should you do if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops?

The correct course of action when the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops is to ensure you are far enough behind to come to a stop safely. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial because it gives you adequate time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a vehicle stopping unexpectedly. By keeping a safe distance, you can reduce the likelihood of a collision and allow yourself enough time to brake appropriately if needed.

In situations where you are too close to the vehicle in front of you, braking immediately may not provide enough distance to stop safely, particularly if road conditions are poor or if you're traveling at higher speeds. Sounding your horn can be useful for alerting other drivers, but it does not address the situation of safely stopping your vehicle. Accelerating to avoid a collision can increase the risk of an accident and typically is not a safe maneuver unless you have a clear and safe path to escape, which is unlikely in most sudden stop scenarios.

Therefore, maintaining a safe following distance is the most effective way to manage such situations and ensure your safety as well as the safety of others on the road.