Final answer:
The '1 car length per 10 mph' rule is a guideline for safe following distance but is not an absolute safety measure, as various conditions can affect what constitutes a safe distance. When crossing the road, take into account the car's speed and your crossing time to ensure a safe distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
False.The statement that a driver must allow 1 car length ahead for each 10 mph speed is a simplification of the concept of a safe following distance, which is related to physics and driver safety practices. While the 1 car length per 10 mph rule is often taught as a guideline, it is not universally endorsed as the absolute measure of a safe distance. Safe following distances can vary due to factors such as road conditions, vehicle speeds, and driver reaction times.
Regarding the scenario where you need to cross the road and a car is approaching, using the information given where the speed limit is 60 km/hr (approximately 37 mph), and considering that the average car length is 3.5 meters, it would take a car around 1 second to travel its own length at this speed. To cross a road safely ahead of an approaching vehicle traveling at this speed, you must ensure the car is far enough away to allow you ample time to cross, factoring in both the time it takes you to walk the necessary distance and the distance the car covers in the same time. This is not necessarily a set number of car lengths but should be calculated based on the specific situation.