Final answer:
To pass a vehicle ahead, you would need approximately 1281 feet of additional distance. This includes the stopping distance and the distance it takes for your vehicle to accelerate and surpass the vehicle ahead.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the additional distance needed to pass a vehicle ahead, we need to consider the length of your vehicle and the length of the vehicle you are trying to pass. Let's assume your vehicle is 15 feet long, and the vehicle ahead is also 15 feet long. The total distance needed to pass the vehicle ahead would be the sum of the distance it takes for your vehicle to come to a stop and the distance it takes for your vehicle to accelerate and surpass the vehicle ahead.
From the information given, we know that your vehicle traveled 968 feet at 55 mph. To calculate the stopping distance, we can use the equation:
Stopping distance = (initial velocity^2) / (2 * acceleration)
Assuming an average acceleration of -32.2 ft/s^2 for a vehicle, the stopping distance would be:
Stopping distance = (55 mph)^2 / (2 * 32.2 ft/s^2)
After calculating, the stopping distance is approximately 1251 feet. Therefore, the additional distance needed to pass the vehicle ahead would be:
Total distance = Stopping distance + Acceleration distance
Total distance = 1251 feet + (2 * 15 feet) = 1281 feet.