How many feet should you be prepared to stop when approaching an intersection?

When approaching an intersection, being prepared to stop at least 100 feet ahead is crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations. This distance allows adequate time to react to any changes in traffic conditions, such as pedestrians crossing or vehicles unexpectedly stopping.

The 100 feet guideline is in line with typical stopping distances in urban areas, helping drivers to be vigilant and ready to respond appropriately when approaching intersections where the potential for sudden stops is higher due to varying traffic patterns. By allowing a buffer of this distance, a driver can effectively assess the situation and stop safely without risking a collision or causing disruption to the flow of traffic.

Understanding this distance also emphasizes the importance of not driving too fast or being distracted, as these factors can significantly impair a driver's ability to stop safely when necessary. In this way, maintaining awareness and adhering to this stopping distance contributes to safer roads for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.