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Difficulty: MediumMotorcycles

When following a motorcyclist along a stretch of road with loose stone chippings, drivers should maintain a greater following distance than normal.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True — drivers should provide an increased following distance behind a motorcyclist on roads with loose chippings.
Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to losing control on loose gravel or chippings due to reduced tyre grip. An increased following distance gives the driver ample time to react if the rider wobbles, slows, or swerves, while also preventing tyre-flung stones from injuring the rider.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle vulnerability and the road hazard presented in the statement
The vehicle ahead is a motorcycle (two-wheeled and unstable on loose ground) travelling on loose stone chippings.
Two-wheeled vehicles rely on limited tyre contact patches and are far more susceptible to sliding on loose surfaces than four-wheeled vehicles.
2
Evaluate the safety precautions required when following under these conditions
A greater separation distance is required to allow time to react if the rider swerves or loses balance, and to prevent dislodged chippings from striking the rider.
Loose chippings reduce traction and can be flung backwards or forwards by vehicle tyres, presenting a physical threat to vulnerable road users.
3
Conclude the accuracy of the statement
The statement is correct according to UK Highway Code guidance on vulnerable road users and safety margins.
Drivers must adapt following distances to the road surface conditions and vehicle type ahead.

Key Concept

Adjusting separation distance when following two-wheeled vehicles over loose road surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Motorcycles

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