What is the recommended distance from bystanders when traveling at a speed of 10 mph?

• A. 200 ft
• B. 100 ft
• C. 50 ft
• D. 300 ft

Answer: (A)

Keeping a wide safety perimeter around bystanders is essential whenever a vehicle is moving near people. At 10 mph, you still need enough space to react, brake, and maneuver if something changes—an abrupt obstacle, a misstep by a bystander, or a swing of equipment. A buffer of about 200 feet provides a practical margin to absorb that risk and keep bystanders out of the vehicle’s path, even if the vehicle must steer suddenly or if parts extend from it.

Distances like 100 ft or 50 ft place bystanders closer to the vehicle than is generally safe in public settings, increasing the chance of contact during a sudden stop or maneuver. While 300 ft offers even more clearance, 200 ft is the standard balance between safety and operational practicality in typical scenarios.