If the ambulance is large or heavy, by how much should you increase following distances?

Increasing following distances when driving a large or heavy ambulance is crucial for ensuring safety. When an ambulance is substantial in size and weight, it requires more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to a lighter vehicle. The ability to stop effectively is influenced by factors such as momentum, which increases with the weight of the vehicle.

By increasing the following distance by 50%, a driver provides ample room to react to sudden changes in traffic, obstacles, or emergency situations. This extended distance allows for reaction time in any unforeseen circumstances, which is vital in emergency response scenarios. Professional training emphasizes this adjustment in following distance to account for the unique handling characteristics of ambulances, which can be quite different from smaller vehicles.

Overall, maintaining a 50% increase in following distance not only fosters safer driving practices but also enhances emergency response capabilities, allowing the ambulance to navigate through traffic while prioritizing the safety of both patients and other road users.