What is the minimum safe following distance at highway speeds?

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To determine the minimum safe following distance at highway speeds, the discussion focuses on calculating the stopping distances of two cars with differing braking accelerations. The first car, traveling at 32 m/s, decelerates at 1.86 m/s², while the second car decelerates at 1.76 m/s². Initial calculations suggest a following distance of approximately 31.232 meters, but there are errors in the computations that need addressing. Key questions arise regarding the distances each car travels during their respective stopping times. Accurate calculations are essential to ensure safety and avoid collisions.
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Homework Statement


you are driving at highway speeds of 32m/s. The car in front of you suddenly brakes with an acceleration of 1.86 m/s^2. If your car can brake with an acceleration of 1.76m/s^2. What is the minimum following distance that you need before the braking in order to avoid a collision?

Homework Equations


i down know if this is the right approach or if I am completely off

The Attempt at a Solution


car 1: 32/1.86= 17.204 s
car:2 32/1.76= 18.18s
18.18-17.204=.976s
(.976)(32)=31.232 meters away?[/B]
 
Last edited:
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There's a big difference between a car 'breaking' and a car 'braking'.
 
SteamKing said:
There's a big difference between a car 'breaking' and a car 'braking'.
'brake' it was a typo
 
Your final computation is wrong. Do you know why?

How much distance does the first car travel in 17.402 seconds?
How much distance does the second car travel in 18.18 seconds?
 

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