Final answer:
The safe stopping distance at 50 mph is about 243 feet, and at 30 mph, it's about 120 feet. Headlights shine around 160 feet, so driving faster than 50 mph at night risks overdriving your headlights. To be safe, follow the 4-second sight distance rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
At 50 mph, it will take you about 243 feet to react and stop for a hazard you see ahead (this includes both the reaction distance and braking distance), and at 30 mph, it takes about 120 feet. Since your headlights only shine about 160 feet ahead, you should not drive faster than 50 mph at night; otherwise, you will not be able to stop within the distance you can see. This is called overdriving your headlights. To avoid danger, drive at a speed where you can safely stop. A good rule to follow is the 4-second sight distance rule. Therefore, the correct answer to the fill-in-the-blank question is: 'At 50 mph, it will take you about 243 feet to react and stop for a hazard you see ahead (120 feet at 30 mph). Since your headlights only shine about 160 feet ahead, you should not drive faster than 50 mph at night; otherwise, you will not be able to stop within the distance you can see. This is called overdriving your headlights. To avoid danger, drive at the speed where you can safely stop. A good rule to follow is the 4-second sight distance rule.' So, the correct option should be 'A) 243, 120, 160, overdriving, 4'.