If a child runs into the street 60 to 65 feet ahead of your vehicle, what is the maximum safe speed to avoid hitting them?

When a child unexpectedly runs into the street, drivers need to react quickly to avoid a potential accident. The distance of 60 to 65 feet provides a critical context for understanding stopping distances at various speeds.

At 20 mph, a driver typically has enough time to perceive the situation, decide to apply the brakes, and bring the vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the child. The average stopping distance at this speed, considering reaction time and braking distance, is manageable enough to prevent a collision.

As speed increases, the stopping distances become significantly longer. For example, at 30 mph, the stopping distance can exceed 50 feet, which may not provide enough reaction time to stop safely if a child unexpectedly enters the road. At even higher speeds like 40 mph or 50 mph, the stopping distances increase further, dramatically reducing the driver's ability to react in time.

Thus, driving at 20 mph maximizes the likelihood of stopping safely before reaching the child, making it the safest option when considering potential hazards in a residential area or where children may be present.