7db wrote:It's tempting to use an alternative definition - my particular favourite - "the nearest place a surprise can come from".
This makes the Golden Rule:-
Always drive so that you can stop before the nearest place a surprise can come from.
I assume that satisfies those who think the language was clumsy or unclear in the original version. I prefer the original for its emphasis on observation and thought.
That is not possible. Other than braking to a stop before every hazard, how can you always be certain that you can stop?!
Stopping for the limit point is only achievable because it is based on a known fact that you will have to keep slowing to keep your stopping distance until the limit point moves away. Any other 'surprise' would be exactly that; something you could ever be certain of stopping for even if you had reduced your speed considerably to reduce the risk and severity of a collision.
I believe what you are in fact saying is;
1. Always drive so that you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
2. Where there are additional hazards reduce your speed further to reduce the risk of a collision.
Statement 1 is an objective rule and statement 2 is a subjective addition that is subservient to statement 1.
If we combine them into the same statement the objective nature of rule 1 is lost.
In fact what the golden rule logically means (with the clumsy addition) is that a driver should allow a stopping distance for a length of road that may be obstructed at any time as the driver closes in or may remain clear! How is this possible?! Only if the driver plans to stop completely and is a mind reader!
Illogical and not in fact what is meant! I am not in disagreement with the underlying principles just the incorrect use of the English language to explain it.