If a child runs into the road 45-50 feet ahead of your car, what is the highest speed you should be going to stop without hitting them?

To determine the highest speed at which you can travel without hitting a child who suddenly runs into the road 45-50 feet ahead, consider the stopping distance required at various speeds.

At 15 miles per hour, a vehicle typically requires about 33 feet to stop on a dry, level road. This allows enough reaction time and stopping distance to potentially avoid a collision when a child unexpectedly appears in the roadway. The stopping distance includes both your reaction time—how long it takes to notice the child and apply the brakes—and the distance your vehicle travels while braking to a stop.

When driving at 15 mph, if you see a child 45-50 feet away, you have enough distance to react and stop safely. In contrast, higher speeds increase both your reaction time and stopping distance significantly. For instance, at 20 mph, the stopping distance starts to exceed 45 feet, which means you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.

This speed consideration underscores the importance of driving at a safe and appropriate speed, especially in areas where children might unexpectedly appear, such as near schools or residential neighborhoods.