When should following distances be increased during nighttime driving?

Increasing following distances during nighttime driving is crucial when visibility is limited. At night, drivers may encounter reduced visibility due to darkness, weather conditions like fog, or the glare from oncoming headlights. Limited visibility can make it more difficult to perceive the distance between vehicles, identify hazards on the road, or react in a timely manner. By increasing the following distance, a driver provides themselves with more time to respond to any sudden changes or obstacles, thus enhancing safety for themselves and others on the road.

Following distances may not need to be adjusted specifically for driving over the speed limit or when traffic is heavy, as these scenarios primarily affect speed and reaction times rather than visibility. Similarly, driving with passengers does not inherently change the visibility conditions or dictate an adjustment in following distance; it is primarily situational factors like limited visibility that warrant such an increase.