Final answer:
To identify hazards early and avoid sudden moves, drivers are advised to scan the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicle. This practice provides time to react and adjust to obstacles or traffic changes safely. The correct option in the final answer is B. 10 to 15 seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to identify hazards early and avoid last-minute moves while driving, it is generally recommended to scan the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This technique allows drivers to have sufficient time to react to any obstacles or changes in traffic conditions.
Scanning the road not only helps in maintaining a safe following distance but also prepares one to adjust speed or change lanes if necessary without sudden movements.
For instance, when driving at higher speeds on a freeway, a greater time interval is required due to the increased distance covered per second. In contrast, scanning 5 to 10 seconds ahead might be adequate in slow-moving city traffic.
The scenario involving Bridget observing cars from her classroom window demonstrates the application of time and distance in the real-world context, as she calculates how long it takes for vehicles to cover a certain distance. Similarly, understanding the physics behind Doppler shift in a siren informs us about the vehicle's movement in relation to our position, which ties into anticipating traffic conditions.
An important aspect of road safety is the ability to predict the motion of other vehicles and adjust accordingly; this becomes crucial when determining the safety of any maneuver, such as whether it is safe to walk across the road if a car is approaching. Hence, drivers must maintain constant vigilance and utilize time-distance estimation to make informed decisions while driving.
It is important to note that each driver's comfort level and ability to estimate the correct scanning time may differ, but adhering to the 10 to 15 seconds rule ensures a buffer for safety and allows for proactive driving habits. Therefore, the correct option in the final answer is B. 10 to 15 seconds.