Caravan Science or, Just How Long is that Caravan? back to the beach page
The math in the obscure paragraphs below, when applied the downloadable MathPad app (no longer available) on my geeky Palm Z22, says that 290 cars (2002 Caravan) at 60 mph is 14.78 miles from front to back.
Assuming, of course, that everybody keeps the motorcade interval required by Alabama law, doesn't pass (fat chance), all the signals are green, and everybody holds 60 mph. And C4's at 179.5 inches are the only cars in the line-up. (C5 about the same, C6 a bit shorter).
Given:
numcars:290; mph:60; carinch:179.5; folldist:20; interval:2; miles=feet/5280
Then:
feet=((folldist*(mph/10)*interval)+(carinch/12))*(numcars-1)+((carinch/12)*numcars)
Result: miles:14.78; feet:78,020.88
Ala. Code of 1975: § 32-5A-89.
Following too closely.
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another more closely than is
reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the
traffic upon and the condition of the highway. Except when overtaking and
passing another vehicle, the driver of a vehicle shall leave a distance of at
least 20 feet for each 10 miles per hour of speed between the vehicle that he is
driving and the vehicle that he is following.
(b) ...
(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway whether a business or residence
district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be
so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or
combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy
such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions
or to any parade or procession authorized by official permit of the governing
body of the city or county having jurisdiction over said highway.