What must a defensive driver’s visual lead-time do when speed increases?

When a driver increases speed, the visual lead-time—the distance ahead that a driver actively scans for potential hazards—must also increase. This is due to the greater distance a vehicle will travel in a given time at higher speeds. A longer visual lead-time allows the driver to identify and react to potential obstacles or changes in traffic conditions more effectively.

At higher speeds, the time it takes to respond to a hazard is crucial. If a driver only maintains the same lead-time as when traveling at a lower speed, they may find themselves without enough time to react appropriately. This can lead to dangerous situations, as the reaction time must accommodate the increased distance covered in the same amount of time. Thus, increasing the visual lead-time is essential for maintaining safe driving practices and optimizing response times to potential dangers on the road.