What does maintaining a space cushion help with while driving?

Maintaining a space cushion while driving is crucial for ensuring safety and providing adequate reaction time. A space cushion refers to the buffer zone around your vehicle, which allows you enough distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. This distance is essential because it gives you time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or emergencies.

For instance, if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes, having a sufficient space cushion allows you to slow down or change lanes safely without the risk of colliding with it. The space cushion is not just about keeping your distance; it also enhances your ability to foresee and respond to hazards on the road, thereby contributing to a safer driving experience for everyone involved.

While other options may imply different driving behaviors or practices, they do not contribute directly to safety in the same manner that maintaining a space cushion does. For example, driving faster or encouraging aggressive driving undermine safety principles and increase risks on the road.