How should you adjust your driving in heavy traffic situations?

In heavy traffic situations, it's essential to keep a safe following distance and remain aware of your surroundings. This approach allows for better reaction time if the vehicles ahead of you suddenly slow down or stop, which is common in congested areas. Maintaining a safe distance helps in avoiding collisions and minimizes the risk of rear-end accidents, providing a buffer that can be vital when traffic conditions are unpredictable.

Additionally, staying aware means being vigilant about your environment, including the behavior of other drivers, pedestrians, and any obstacles that may arise. This heightened awareness can significantly improve your ability to react appropriately and make informed decisions while driving.

The other choices do not support safe driving practices. For example, maintaining your speed regardless of traffic conditions can lead to dangerous situations, while ignoring traffic signals is illegal and puts everyone on the road at risk. Driving aggressively to merge can create conflicts and potentially cause accidents, which is counterproductive to the goal of navigating heavy traffic safely and efficiently.