You are driving a lorry. Which of the following factors should you take into account to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front?

Correct answer: A

📖 Explanation of the rule: Maintaining a safe distance is the cornerstone of defensive driving. As a driver of a heavy goods vehicle, you must remember that your vehicle's mass and cargo significantly increase inertia. A safe distance must account for not only your speed but also the current road surface condition (e.g., slippery pavement), weather conditions (rain, snow), and the efficiency of your braking system. The more challenging the conditions, the greater the distance you should maintain to ensure enough space to react and stop your heavy vehicle if the car ahead brakes suddenly.

💡 Tip: Adopt the "three-second rule" as an absolute minimum under ideal conditions. When driving a heavy vehicle or in poor weather conditions, increase this time to four or five seconds. This extra space provides a safety margin that can be life-saving in a critical situation for you and other road users.