What should you do if the road surface is packed snow or ice regarding following distances?

When driving on packed snow or ice, it is essential to increase your following distance to ensure adequate reaction time and stopping distance. In these conditions, traction is significantly reduced, making it more challenging to slow down or stop safely. Tripling the standard following distance allows for better control and the ability to react to sudden stops or emergencies that may occur in front of you.

This adjustment is crucial since vehicles can take much longer to stop on slippery surfaces. By tripling the distance, you provide yourself a safer cushion that can help prevent accidents due to skidding or losing control. It reflects the general advice that more time and space are needed in adverse weather conditions to account for the reduced ability to stop promptly.

In contrast, other options like doubling or quadrupling the distance may not be necessary or practical for most situations; tripling the distance typically strikes an effective balance between safety and practicality in snowy or icy conditions.