Why is keeping a safe following distance especially important with large vehicles?

Keeping a safe following distance is particularly crucial when driving behind large vehicles because they have longer stopping distances due to their size and weight. When a large vehicle, such as a truck or bus, brakes, it takes significantly longer for it to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. By maintaining an adequate following distance, you provide yourself with more time to respond appropriately in case the large vehicle needs to brake suddenly. This additional time is vital for avoiding rear-end collisions and ensuring safety on the road.

The other options do not align with the fundamental reasons for maintaining a safe following distance. Maintaining pace with a truck does not address the unique stopping characteristics of larger vehicles, while fuel efficiency is generally irrelevant to the safe distance needed. Additionally, stating that trucks are smaller than cars is factually incorrect and does not apply to the scenario of driving behind large vehicles.