What does allowing a larger space cushion when stopping on an uphill help with?

Allowing a larger space cushion when stopping on an uphill primarily helps in giving the driver time to avoid rolling backward. When stopped on an incline, there is a risk that the vehicle could roll back if the driver doesn't apply enough pressure to the brakes or if the vehicle has a manual transmission and is not properly engaged in gear. By maintaining a larger cushion, the driver has more time to react, whether that involves regulating the brake pressure or engaging the clutch effectively in a manual vehicle. This added margin of safety is crucial, especially for newer drivers who may feel uncertain on hills.

While maintaining distance also has other benefits, such as potentially reducing wear on brakes or allowing for better visibility, the most significant advantage in the context of stopping on an uphill is the additional time it provides to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward.