Final answer:
The 'two-second rule' helps maintain a safe driving distance, which should be increased during poor conditions. Pedestrians should cross roads safely with ample distance from oncoming cars. Skid marks after abrupt stopping can indicate a car's speed, useful in court if contesting a speeding ticket.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maintain a safe driving distance, the 'two-second rule' is commonly recommended. This rule advises that you should stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. To check this, when the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed point (like a sign or a tree), count the time it takes for you to reach that same point. If it's less than two seconds, you're too close and should increase your distance. This two-second buffer provides time to react and helps prevent collisions. In poor driving conditions—such as rain, snow, or fog—the following distance should be increased. Keeping a safe distance also involves being alert and aware of your surroundings, as well as the speed and capability of the vehicle you're driving.
In towns and cities with a speed limit of 60 km/h, a pedestrian should ensure they can cross a width greater than a vehicle before a car reaches them, which is illustrated as 4 meters in this example. Assessing the required safe distance considers the speed, vehicle size, and the pedestrian's walking speed to safely cross the road.
If a large piece of debris suddenly obstructs the road, and you slam on the brakes, the resulting skid marks and the car's stopping distance can provide evidence of your traveling speed before the incident. However, challenging a speeding ticket in court would require a technical analysis of the braking and friction factors, the speed at the time of braking, and the accuracy of the speed measurement used by the policeman.
Understanding safe driving distance and reacting to sudden obstacles or emergency situations are skills that can be honed through knowledge and experience. By following guidelines and rules such as the two-second rule and adjusting for driving conditions, drivers contribute to safer roads.