Question

While driving at 25 mph, on a clear city road, a motorist should be able to see about how many blocks ahead?

Answer 1

Motorists driving at 25 mph could potentially see up to 3 to 4 city blocks ahead in ideal conditions. However, the focus here is on the safety of pedestrians crossing roads, using visibility, speed, and distance to make sound judgements.

Step-by-step explanation:

While driving at 25 mph on a clear city road, the visibility distance ahead for a motorist can vary based on several factors including road conditions, obstacles, and city planning. However, in ideal conditions, a driver's line of sight could typically extend up to several blocks, potentially around 3 to 4 city blocks, depending on the block's length. It is crucial to maintain a clear line of sight considerably ahead of the vehicle for safe driving practices.

However, the detailed scenarios provided focus on pedestrian safety and judgement for crossing streets rather than the driver's visibility. For example, if Bridget observes that it takes 3 seconds for a car to travel between two poles 50 meters apart, we can determine the car's speed and use it to make safe crossing judgements. In the situation where a car is 28 meters away, it may not be safe to cross the road if the car is traveling at or above the speed limit, as the pedestrian may not have sufficient time to cross before the car reaches them.

It is important for both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to make judgements based on speed and distance to ensure safety.

Answer 2

Visibility while driving at 25 mph on a city road can vary, and safe crossing depends on road conditions and individual circumstances. If a car is 28 meters away, it may not be safe to cross immediately. Safety depends on adhering to speed limits and allowing for sufficient stopping distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When driving at 25 mph on a clear city road, a motorist's visibility range is not standardized and can vary based on several factors, including road conditions, vehicle design, and the driver's height. However, for safety considerations, motorists are often advised to keep a safe distance and have enough reaction time. For instance, if we apply Bridget's observation, where it takes 3 seconds for cars to travel between poles 50 meters apart, and considering a safe walking distance of 4 meters more than the width of a car, a pedestrian would require a very short time to cross safely. As a driver, you would need to be vigilant and prepared to stop within your field of vision.

If you see a car 28 meters away, equivalent to the length of 8 cars, it might not be safe to cross the road immediately. The specific distance at which it is safe to cross depends on the speed limit and the individual's walking speed. As a rule of thumb, ensuring that there is enough distance for a car traveling at the area's speed limit to come to a stop, which is typically several car lengths, can be a good indicator of safety.