Texas Drivers Ed Written Practice Test

About how many feet will the average driver going 50 mph travel from the moment he sees danger until he hits the brakes?

1. 50 feet

2. 75 feet

3. 100 feet

4. 110 feet

The correct answer is: 110 feet

The time it takes for a driver to react to a perceived danger is critical in understanding stopping distances. When a driver sees a hazard and takes action to brake, there is a delay known as the reaction time. On average, this reaction time is about 1.5 seconds. At a speed of 50 mph, a vehicle travels approximately 73.33 feet per second (since 50 miles per hour is equivalent to about 73.33 feet per second). Hence, during the 1.5 seconds of reaction time, the vehicle will cover a distance of about 110 feet (1.5 seconds * 73.33 feet per second) before the brakes are applied. This calculation illustrates the importance of understanding how reaction time contributes to overall stopping distance, emphasizing the need for alertness and timely responses on the road.