Keeping a cushion of space around your motorcycle allows you to:

Maintaining a cushion of space around your motorcycle is crucial for safe riding. This practice enhances your ability to maneuver effectively and respond to potential hazards on the road. With adequate space, you have more room to react to unexpected situations, such as abrupt stops by other vehicles, road obstacles, or sudden changes in traffic patterns.

When you create this buffer zone, it provides you with time to assess your surroundings and execute necessary actions, whether it’s changing lanes, braking, or accelerating. Having this space not only helps in avoiding collisions but also gives you the confidence to handle emergencies more effectively.

The other options do not contribute to safe motorcycle operation. Increasing speed can reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of accidents. Trying to impress other drivers does not focus on safety and could lead to risky behaviors. Following too closely behind other vehicles decreases your margin for error and reaction time, which is counterproductive to safe riding practices. Thus, the space acts as a defensive measure critical for rider safety.