You're linking two issues into the same complaint. Obviously an increased following distance won't matter if a trailer directly next to you has a blow-out. An increased following distance, however, will help you avoid the random stationary debris that I'm guessing is probably the bigger issue that causes more actual damage.
The more distance you've got between and you and the guy in front of you, the more time you'll have to safely avoid hazards. It's called driving defensively.
