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

The average driver traveling at 50 mph will typically cover approximately 100 feet from the moment they perceive a hazard until the time they apply the brakes. This distance represents the driver's reaction time, which is the interval taken to recognize a danger and initiate the action of braking. At 50 mph, a driver’s reaction time is roughly 2.5 seconds, which can translate to traveling around 100 feet during that period.

This figure is commonly derived from the understanding that a vehicle moving at this speed travels about 1.47 feet per second for every mile per hour. Therefore, for 50 mph, the calculation indicates an approximate distance of 100 feet during the driver's reaction time. This highlights the importance of maintaining awareness while driving, as quick recognition of dangers is crucial in preventing accidents.