If a child runs into the road 45-50 feet ahead of your vehicle, what is the maximum speed you can be going to stop without hitting them?

To determine the maximum speed at which you can travel without hitting a child who runs into the road 45-50 feet ahead, it’s crucial to understand the stopping distance of a vehicle, which is influenced by speed, perception time, and reaction time.

At 15 mph, the stopping distance is relatively short, allowing sufficient time to perceive the danger, react, and come to a complete stop. Generally, the average stopping distance for a vehicle is about 1 foot for every mile per hour, plus an additional margin for braking distance. At 15 mph, you can expect to stop well within the 45-50 feet range, considering an average driver's reaction time and the efficiency of brakes.

In contrast, speeds higher than 15 mph, such as 25, 30, or any higher speed, significantly extend stopping distances. As speeds increase, both perception and reaction times contribute to longer distances required to safely stop. Therefore, 15 mph is the maximum speed you can safely travel to ensure you can stop in time to avoid hitting the child.