What is a consequence of driving faster than the flow of traffic?

Driving faster than the flow of traffic can lead to various safety issues, with one significant consequence being an inability to maintain a safe following distance. When a driver exceeds the speed of surrounding vehicles, the time available to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic patterns decreases significantly. This reduced reaction time can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, as the faster driver may not be able to stop in time if the vehicle ahead brakes abruptly.

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for allowing enough space to react to unforeseen events on the road. If a driver is traveling at a speed higher than that of the surrounding traffic, it becomes challenging to gauge the appropriate distance needed between vehicles. Consequently, this can lead to dangerous situations where the driver might be too close to the vehicle in front, increasing the risk of an accident.

Other options do not accurately reflect the realities of driving faster than the flow of traffic, as they suggest advantages like quick stopping, maintaining safe distances, or reduced fatigue, which are not true in the context of increased speeds relative to traffic.