What should be done when behind a vehicle that suddenly brakes?

When you are behind a vehicle that suddenly brakes, the safest response is to increase your following distance and prepare to stop. This action allows for a greater margin of safety and gives you more time to react to any situation that may arise. By increasing the distance between your vehicle and the one in front, you reduce the chance of a rear-end collision, as you'll have more space to brake without risk of hitting the vehicle ahead.

It is also important to prepare to stop, as the braking of the vehicle in front may indicate a hazard or obstacle that you need to respond to quickly. This proactive approach ensures that you remain in control and can react appropriately to any further sudden maneuvers of the vehicle.

Maintaining speed and preparing to react does not provide the necessary space to safely stop if the vehicle in front comes to an abrupt halt. Similarly, braking hard can lead to a loss of control, especially on slippery surfaces or if the vehicle behind you is too close, increasing the risk of an accident. Accelerating to avoid the vehicle is also dangerous, as it could lead to higher speeds and greater impact in the event of a collision, rather than providing a safe escape route.

Therefore, increasing following distance while preparing to stop is the most responsible and