What is the best way to prevent a crash when driving behind a vehicle?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for preventing crashes when driving behind another vehicle. This practice gives you adequate time to react to the actions of the vehicle in front of you. If they suddenly brake or slow down, having a sufficient buffer zone allows you to stop safely without colliding. The recommended following distance varies, but a common guideline is to keep at least three seconds of space between your vehicle and the one ahead, increasing it in poor weather conditions or when driving a larger vehicle.

Driving at a constant speed regardless of distance may lead to unsafe conditions if you are too close to the vehicle in front, as it gives you less time to react if they brake suddenly. Using your horn frequently could potentially distract other drivers or escalate road rage situations rather than improve safety. Changing lanes frequently does not ensure a safe environment either; it can introduce additional risks and may not provide a clear solution to maintaining safety. Hence, the practice of keeping a safe following distance stands out as the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of a collision.