Extend your normal following distance when:

An expanded space cushion is needed when riding in conditions that are less than ideal. If the road surface is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, if you are traveling at night, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may be tempted to squeeze in front of you, you should expand your following distance.

• Riding in heavy traffic.
• Riding during the day under ideal conditions.
• There are two lanes of traffic moving in each direction.
• There is no reason to believe stopping will take longer than normal.