Final answer:
It is important to maintain a greater than normal following distance in various driving situations such as behind emergency vehicles and in poor driving conditions to enable safe stopping and avoid accidents. Factors like speed and road conditions need to be considered when determining safe following distance and crossing streets.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should always allow more space than normal in front of your vehicle when following certain things on the road, such as emergency vehicles, large trucks, motorcycles, and when driving in inclement weather or in heavy traffic conditions. Increased following distance provides more time for safe stopping and reaction to unexpected events. For example, on a highway where the speed is higher, you may need more space to safely react and stop if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly brakes. It's also important to take into account factors that may impair your driving abilities, like fatigue or distractions, and adjust your following distance accordingly to ensure safety.
In the context of the example given, if you are driving behind a car and it is 28 meters away, which is about the length of 8 cars, it will depend on several factors including your speed, the other car's speed, and road conditions to determine if it is safe to walk across the road. As a rule of thumb, pedestrians should ensure there is enough space for them to cross the road safely without interfering with oncoming traffic.