You are driving on a narrow road. About 20 m ahead of you a child suddenly runs onto the roadway. When is a collision unavoidable despite emergency braking?

In this scenario, understanding stopping distances and the speed at which a driver is able to react is crucial. The German traffic regulations emphasize that as speed increases, the distance required to stop also increases significantly.

At higher speeds, such as 50 km/h, the stopping distance is much longer, making it more likely that a collision will happen if a child unexpectedly runs onto the road. This is because both the perception and reaction time of a driver are critical in emergencies—drivers need more time to respond and bring the vehicle to a complete stop at higher speeds.

Moreover, the situation reflects the principle of caution in traffic as outlined by the German traffic code (StVO). Situations involving children's unexpected actions require drivers to be especially vigilant and to adjust their speed to ensure safety, adhering to the rules that state one must drive in such a way that they can stop safely if necessary.

It’s important to consider that the proper reaction not only includes stopping distance but also involves recognizing when emergency braking is insufficient. Thus, driving at lower speeds like 20 or 30 km/h allows for greater stopping power and reaction time, reducing the risk of an unavoidable collision. Understanding these elements leads to safer driving habits, especially in areas where pedestrians, particularly children, may unexpectedly enter the roadway.