answersLogoWhite

0

Using the conversion factor of 1 mph = 1.46 feet per second, 80 mph would be equivalent to: 117 feet per second When we talk about the speed of an object, we generally speak in the term of miles per hour (mph). Since accident sequences usually happen in seconds and feet, rather than hours and miles, it is easier to understand speeds effect on distance in feet per second (fps) than mph. The “magic” number for calculating mph into fps is to multiply mph by 1.466. The derivation of this is easy since there are 5280 feet in a mile and 3600 seconds in an hour. 5280 divided by 3600 equals 1.466. Therefore, a vehicle traveling at a rather mundane sounding 25 mph is actually moving at 36.65 feet per second (25x1.466=36.65). What this means in the real world can be explained as follows. At the point of possible perception of a hazard while traveling at 25 mph, using 3 seconds of perception/reaction time would mean that you would have traveled approximately 110 feet before any responsive action takes place (3x36.65=109.95). Add to this the distance necessary to stop an ATV traveling at 25 mph, which is about 42 feet, and you have traveled a total distance of approximately 152 feet.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?