Final answer:
A driver should aim to look ahead about 12-15 seconds in front of their vehicle when driving to ensure enough reaction time to upcoming road conditions or hazards. This lookout time translates into being aware of potential braking distances and knowing when it is safe to either cross the road as a pedestrian or interact with traffic as a driver.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance a driver should look ahead of the vehicle when driving is generally recommended to be about 12-15 seconds ahead of their current position. This rule of thumb helps ensure that the driver has enough time to react to obstacles or conditions on the road that could require slowing down, stopping, or changing direction. Bridget's observation of cars traveling 50 meters in 3 seconds relates to knowing the speed of the cars and estimating how quickly they cover a certain distance, which provides context for the 12-15 seconds guidance. Additionally, the stopping distance for a vehicle greatly depends on initial speed, road conditions, and driver's reaction time, highlighting why looking far ahead is crucial for safety.
An example involves crossing the road safely. If a car is 28 meters away — about 8 car-lengths if we assume the average length of a car is 3.5 meters — whether or not it is safe to cross depends on the car's speed and the pedestrian's walking speed. One should only cross if they can walk at least 4 meters, which is 2 meters further than the width of the average car, before the car reaches the position where the pedestrian started. However, the decision should also take into consideration the previous understanding of the stopping distances and the time it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.