Question

In a driving manual, it is suggested that, when driving at 13m/s (about 45 km/hr), a driver should always keep a minimum of two car lengths between the driver's car and the one in front.

Answer 1

Suggest a scientific justification for this safety tip.

Answer 2

@UnkleRhaukus @experimentX Can you help?

Answer 3

what would happen if there were less distance and the front car would suddenly stop?

Answer 4

to get enough time to stop ur car ... if the one infront ot u suddenly stops..

Answer 5

but why driving exactly at 13m/s?

Answer 6

and 2 car lengths is too much to stop the car.

Answer 7

try to work out ...
final speed = 0
initial speed = 13 m/s
deceleration = ??
distance = ??

find the relation between distance and de-acceleration.

note that too much deacceleration will kill you.

Answer 8

length of two cars = 10m. (approx)
u = 13m/s

by using equation of uniformed motion , t = 1.5s.

But whats the relation between the given numerical quantities? 13m/s and distance of 2 cars?

Answer 9

v^2 = u^2 + 2as
13^2 = 2*a*s

let 30 m/s^2 kills you ... what should be the distance.

Answer 10

s=d/t
t=d/s

say your car is 5 m

and you are traveling at
13 m/s

two car lengths will be 10 m

you will have 10/13 ~ 3/4 seconds of time to react

Answer 11

@experimentX around 2.81m

Answer 12

yeah you would end up dead at 2.81 ms
huge deacceleration means ... when you stop suddenly,