When driving in hazardous conditions, what should you increase?

Increasing following distance when driving in hazardous conditions is crucial for ensuring safety. In adverse weather or hazardous conditions such as rain, fog, or snow, the road's traction is compromised. This means that even under normal circumstances, it may take longer to stop or slow down safely. By increasing the following distance, drivers provide themselves with a larger buffer zone, allowing for more reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. This extra space helps prevent rear-end collisions, which are common in situations where stopping distances are extended due to slippery or difficult conditions.

The other considerations may not be appropriate responses to hazardous driving. For instance, increasing vehicle speed is unsafe and could lead to loss of control, while increasing braking distance isn't feasible since it relates to how quickly a vehicle can stop rather than a change drivers can make actively. Adjusting headlights intensity, while potentially useful in low visibility conditions, doesn't address the fundamental need for greater distance from other vehicles to ensure safety in challenging driving situations. Thus, increasing following distance is the most effective and practical adjustment a driver can make when faced with hazards on the road.