Why should a bus driver maintain a greater following distance than the minimum?

BUS FOLLOWING DISTANCE: A bus driver should maintain ample following distance. REASONS: A loaded bus is HEAVY (longer stopping distance); SMOOTH stops protect passengers (extra distance lets the driver brake gently, not hard — hard braking throws passengers); anticipation of stops reduces the need for sudden braking; avoids rear-end collisions; FOLLOWING DISTANCE RULE: Generally at least 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph (a 40-foot bus needs at least 4 seconds), plus 1 second for speeds over 40 mph, and more in adverse conditions; PASSENGER SAFETY: The extra cushion means the driver can make smooth, gradual stops that don't injure standing or unbraced passengers; DEFENSIVE DRIVING: Space management (ahead, sides, behind) gives the driver options and time to react safely; CONDITIONS: Increase distance in rain, snow, fog, and on downgrades; the bus driver's responsibility for passenger safety makes generous following distance especially important — it enables the smooth, anticipated braking that protects people aboard; insufficient following distance forces hard braking that endangers passengers and risks collisions; this is part of passenger-focused defensive driving.