Final answer:
Vehicles must park at a distance that varies by location from a fire hydrant, with 15 feet being a common standard. The safe distance to cross a street depends on having a clear view of oncoming traffic for several car lengths. Finding a parking space within a minute requires additional context to assess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how close a vehicle may lawfully park to a fire hydrant, sometimes referred to as a fireplug, varies by jurisdiction. However, a common rule of thumb in many areas is that a vehicle must be parked no closer than 15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters) from a fire hydrant. This distance allows enough space for firefighting equipment to be used effectively in the event of a fire. Regarding safety for crossing the road, it's generally advised to have a clear view of oncoming traffic that is equivalent to several car lengths before crossing, ensuring there is ample time to cross safely. As for parking space availability, without specific information, numerical justifications or statistical data, determining if one should be surprised by taking less than a minute to find a parking space is subjective and cannot be accurately assessed.