Final answer:
The minimum safe distance for a pedestrian to consider before crossing the street in cities with a 60 km/hr speed limit is typically 8 car-lengths or 28 meters, enabling the pedestrian to walk 4 meters before a car reaches them. Stopping distances of cars vary with speed, road conditions, and driver reaction time, all of which are essential when assessing crossing safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum safe distance rule for good conditions and moderate traffic is crucial when considering pedestrian safety while crossing the road. In towns and cities with a speed limit of 60 km/hr, you should be able to walk at least 4 meters before a car reaches you to cross safely.
The average car length is considered to be 3.5 meters. If a car is 28 meters away, this distance equates to 8 car-lengths and would typically be considered safe to cross given that the pedestrian can walk at least 4 meters before the car reaches them. However, safety also depends on various factors such as personal walking speed, driver reaction time, and road conditions.
Understanding the distance necessary to stop a car based on these conditions helps in assessing the safe distance to cross. For instance, a car initially traveling at 30.0 m/s would require different stopping distances on dry versus wet pavement. This becomes essential in anticipating if it is safe to cross the road, especially in emergency cases like a rabbit trying to cross the freeway or determining whether to dispute a speeding ticket in court.