Final answer:
In urban areas, it is recommended for drivers to look ahead at least 12-15 seconds down the road or about 200 meters. This allows for sufficient reaction time to potential hazards. Pedestrian safety must also consider vehicle speed and distance before crossing the road.
Step-by-step explanation:
In urban areas, drivers should look ahead in a manner that allows them to see and react to the environment effectively. Since the speed limit in towns and cities can often be 60 km/hr (approximately 35 mph), it is recommended that drivers look ahead at least 12-15 seconds down the road. This is generally comparable to about 1-2 city blocks or approximately 200 meters in urban driving conditions. The distance should allow a driver ample time to react to potential hazards, such as pedestrians crossing the road, sudden stops, or traffic signal changes.
Gauging the distance ahead is also essential when considering whether it is safe to make actions such as crossing the road in front of an oncoming vehicle. For example, if a car is 28 meters away—which is about 8 car-lengths away—it may be safe to cross the road, but this judgement must take into account your walking speed, the car's speed, and potential changes in either. Always prioritize safety and only cross when it is fully safe to do so without needing to rush.
Being aware of vehicle speed and distance is important to navigate urban traffic safely whether you're driving or crossing the street.