Final answer:
The appropriate stopping distance at an intersection without a stop sign or crosswalk can vary based on local laws, but generally, a vehicle should stop at the edge of the intersection. Pedestrian safety is crucial, and depending on walking speed and road conditions, a pedestrian might wait for a car that is 28 meters away before crossing. In emergencies, traffic laws may be broken under certain circumstances, though caution and awareness of legal risks are essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance at which you should stop from an intersection without a stop sign or crosswalk is not universally fixed and may vary depending on local traffic regulations. Generally, you should stop at the edge of the intersection where you can see both ways without entering the intersection. When considering pedestrian safety, it's important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and stop at a distance that ensures the safety of all road users.
If referencing the scenario where a pedestrian is crossing a road in a town with a speed limit of 60 km/h, one would need to be able to cross an additional 2 meters beyond the width of a car to be safe. With average car lengths being around 3.5 meters, this suggests that if a vehicle is 28 meters away (or the distance of 8 car lengths), a pedestrian might consider it safe to cross. Yet, this is a general guideline and actual safe distances should take into account road conditions, visibility, and the pedestrian's walking speed.
In an emergency situation, such as a pregnant woman in labor in your vehicle, some locales may allow for traffic signal laws to be cautiously disregarded in order to reach a hospital. However, this should not be assumed and is typically judged on a case-by-case basis with potential legal consequences.