How can a driver minimize the risk of a rear-end collision?

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for reducing the risk of a rear-end collision. This practice allows a driver to have ample time and space to react to the vehicle in front of them, whether it is slowing down, stopping suddenly, or making an unexpected maneuver. A safe distance gives the driver a better chance to assess the traffic situation and adjust their speed accordingly, which is essential in avoiding a crash.

When following too closely, there is often insufficient time to brake safely if the lead vehicle unexpectedly reduces speed. This can lead not only to rear-end collisions but also to more severe accidents if the driver behind does not react quickly enough.

While the other choices may contribute to overall driving safety, they do not directly address the fundamental need for adequate spacing between vehicles to prevent rear-end incidents. For instance, driving faster than surrounding vehicles can increase the likelihood of needing to stop abruptly, which heightens the risk of a crash, while constantly staying in the right lane doesn't allow for maneuverability if needing to avoid a hazard. Regularly using turn signals is a good practice for communication with other drivers, but it doesn’t specifically mitigate the risk of being too close to another vehicle.