Final answer:
At 55 miles per hour, using the 3-second rule, you should maintain a following distance of approximately 242 feet from the vehicle ahead.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are driving at 55 miles per hour, the recommended following distance behind a vehicle is based on the 3-second rule. The 3-second rule is a suggestion that helps maintain a safe following distance at any speed. To estimate the distance in feet.
You can calculate as follows: 55 miles per hour equals 80.67 feet per second (1 mile per hour is approximately 1.467 feet per second), and using the 3-second rule, 80.67 feet per second multiplied by 3 seconds equals approximately 242 feet. However, this can vary based on road conditions, visibility, and the driver's reaction time.
The example of the debris and required braking distance involves a different scenario related to the stopping distance from a certain speed; specifically, it involves physics principles and the coefficient of friction which does not directly address the recommended following distance while driving.