How far must a vehicle maintain its distance when driving at 40 km/hr to ensure safety?

To ensure safety while driving at a speed of 40 km/h, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate stopping distance, which is influenced by various factors such as reaction time, vehicle braking capability, and road conditions. At this speed, the recommended following distance is calculated based on the assumption that a driver should have enough time to respond to sudden stops or emergencies.

The typical rule of thumb for safe following distances is that for every 10 km/h of speed, one should maintain at least 4 meters. So, at 40 km/h, this translates to roughly 16 meters for reaction time, plus additional distance required to bring the vehicle to a stop. Adding the braking distance, which varies based on conditions but can be estimated at around 6 to 10 meters for this speed, results in a total distance of approximately 22 meters, ensuring the driver has enough time and space to react adequately to any hazard.

This context makes the choice of at least 22 meters the most applicable to maintaining safety when driving at this speed. Keeping this distance allows for both the reaction time and the stopping distance, reducing the risk of collisions.