Final answer:
At normal highway speed, drivers should look ahead approximately one quarter to one half mile. It is crucial for safety to maintain a long sight distance to react to hazards or traffic changes. Pedestrians crossing the road should ensure they can traverse at least 4 meters before an approaching car reaches them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving at normal highway speed is approximately one quarter to one half mile. This distance ensures sufficient time for you to react to any potential hazards or changes in traffic conditions. For instance, on some interstate highways where the speed limit is around 100 km/h (roughly 62 mph), maintaining a long sight distance is crucial for safe driving. It is important to adjust this distance based on factors such as road conditions, visibility, and traffic density.
At lower speeds, such as in towns and cities where speed limits might be around 60 km/hr (about 37 mph), the required sight distance is shorter. However, a general rule of thumb is to be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead of your vehicle. For pedestrians wishing to cross the road, it is important to ensure they can cross safely by judging the approaching car's distance and their own walking speed, aiming to walk at least 4 meters, which is more than the width of an average car, before the vehicle reaches them.