If it were doing it consistently then that would be less of an issue. The problem is that complex systems make decisions for complex reasons and are very difficult to predict as a result.
That said, if you routinely tailgate the driver in front on the assumption that nothing will go wrong then you've chosen to accept the consequences when an otter runs out in front of them (hey I didn't see that coming either) and they suddenly limit brake and you're sitting in their back seat. Or a steering tie breaks in a classic car coming the other way, which hits the car in front of you head on and now they're stationary.
The question of how much additional caution (in terms of lower speed limits, longer following distances etc.) is optimal in terms of overall QALYs is, I feel, vastly under-considered and under-discussed.
That said, if you routinely tailgate the driver in front on the assumption that nothing will go wrong then you've chosen to accept the consequences when an otter runs out in front of them (hey I didn't see that coming either) and they suddenly limit brake and you're sitting in their back seat. Or a steering tie breaks in a classic car coming the other way, which hits the car in front of you head on and now they're stationary.
The question of how much additional caution (in terms of lower speed limits, longer following distances etc.) is optimal in terms of overall QALYs is, I feel, vastly under-considered and under-discussed.