You are travelling at 50 km/h and have a reaction time of 1 second. What is the reaction distance according to the rule of thumb?

When you are traveling at 50 km/h, the reaction distance is calculated using the rule of thumb, which typically states that for every 10 km/h of speed, you need about 3 meters for reaction time. This formula means that for 50 km/h, you multiply 5 (the number of 10 km/h intervals in 50) by 3 meters, which gives you 15 meters.

This distance is important because it reflects the distance a vehicle travels while the driver processes information and decides to take action, such as braking. Recognizing this distance can help drivers maintain safe following distances and enhance overall road safety, as it aligns with German traffic laws that emphasize the importance of adequate stopping distances to prevent accidents. Understanding this helps in making informed decisions on the road, especially in urban areas or when approaching intersections.