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Book 25, Question 43 · Video

Why does crossing at the corner and looking both ways work?

Video · 1:47 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 25

A moving car needs time and distance to stop. It first travels while the driver reacts, and then keeps rolling while the brakes work. If a car goes twice as fast, it takes about four times as far to stop. That's why cars cannot stop suddenly. Use crosswalks, stop at the curb, look and listen, and wait until drivers see you.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does crossing at the corner and looking both ways work?

The Big Idea

Cars cannot stop in an instant. That is why crossing safely matters so much! Let's learn the science of stopping.

Reacting

Step one: Reacting. A moving car needs time and distance to stop. First, it keeps traveling while the driver reacts.

Braking

Step two: Braking. Then it keeps rolling while the brakes work. If a car goes twice as fast, it takes about four times as far to stop.

Cross Smart

Step three: Cross Smart. That is why cars cannot stop suddenly. Use crosswalks, stop at the curb, look and listen, and wait until drivers see you.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The driver sees you. The driver reacts. The brakes work. The car finally stops.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A car going 30 miles an hour may need the length of about two buses to stop. Wet roads take longer to stop on. Make eye contact with drivers. Corners are the safest spots.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Slide a toy car across a smooth floor. Then slide it across carpet with the same push. Which surface stops it faster? Why do road conditions matter? Talk about it with a grown-up.

Outro

Crossing at corners and looking both ways works because cars need time to react and distance to brake, and going twice as fast takes about four times as far to stop. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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