Final answer:
The recommended distance to maintain from a vehicle you are following is based on the three-second rule, which should be increased in adverse conditions. For crossing the road, ensure you have enough distance to walk 4 meters more than a car's width before it reaches you. The safety of crossing a road in front of an oncoming vehicle depends on several factors, including your walking speed and the vehicle's distance and speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended distance to maintain from an incoming vehicle and the one you are following is based on various factors including reaction time, the vehicle's speed, and road conditions. A commonly advised rule is the three-second rule, which helps maintain a safe following distance at any speed.
However, this distance should be increased in adverse weather conditions or when driving a larger vehicle like a truck, as both factors increase the required stopping distance. It's also important to consider the walking speed when crossing the road, ensuring that you can cross safely before an oncoming vehicle reaches you. Typically, you should be able to walk at least 4 meters further than the width of a car before it reaches you.
As for crossing a road safely, the safe distance to cross in front of an incoming vehicle depends on your walking speed, the distance of the vehicle, and its speed. If a car is traveling at 30.0 m/s (approximately 108 km/h), it will have a significant stopping distance. For example, a car driving toward you and is 28 meters away (about 8 car-lengths) may not provide enough time for a safe crossing, particularly if the vehicle is traveling at a high speed or road conditions are poor.