[tasha0663]

> it's not reasonable to expect the following driver to constantly be considering the possibility that the driver in front will slam on the brakes for no reason.

It's totally reasonable. It's not hard to maintain a safe following distance. Sudden braking isn't the only reason to do so, and insurance claims aren't the only motivating factor. You drive defensively so as to reduce the likelihood of death and destruction while making life easier for other drivers.

[tremon]

It's not hard to maintain a safe following distance.

So if a car swerves into your lane 10 meters in front of you, then slams on the brakes, you're at fault because it should have been so easy to maintain a safe following distance? (This isn't hypothetical, I've had this exact scenario happen multiple times -- on/off ramps seem to bring out the worst in some drivers).

[frumper]

I don't think anyone is saying what you're suggesting. If you're following a car and they stop, you should be able to stop as well. If a car pulls in front of you and slams on your brakes then that is quite a different scenario.