Stopping Distance Explained
You will be mistaken to think that the braking distance is the same as the
overall stopping distance!
Questions in the real test can seam tricky unless read carefully...
What is thinking distance?
Thinking distance is the distance that the car travels after the driver has seen the danger and before the brakes are applied.
Some peoples reactions are faster than others, but the average distance it takes
before the driver realises the danger ahead is 20 feet, when travelling at 20
mph.
What is braking distance?
The distance that the car
travels whilst braking. With the brakes applied the car slows down, and the
average car will travel 20 feet before coming to a complete stop, when
travelling at 20 mph.
The Overall Stopping Distance is a combination of the 2 above.
When trying to visualise a distance it is useful to
remember that the length of an average car is approximately 15ft, therefore,
75ft would be about 5 car lengths away.
|
SPEED
|
THINKING DISTANCE
|
BRAKING DISTANCE
|
OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE
|
|
20 mph
|
20 ft. (6 m)
|
20 ft. (6 m)
|
40 ft. (12 m)
|
|
30 mph
|
30 ft. (9 m)
|
45 ft. (14 m)
|
75 ft. (23 m)
|
|
40 mph
|
40 ft. (12 m)
|
80 ft. (24 m)
|
120 ft. (36 m)
|
|
50 mph
|
50 ft. (15 m)
|
125ft. (38 m)
|
175 ft. (53 m)
|
|
60 mph
|
60 ft. (18 m)
|
180 ft. (55 m)
|
240 ft. (73 m)
|
|
70 mph
|
70 ft. (21 m)
|
245 ft. (75 m)
|
315 ft. (96 m)
|
Please note: these facts and figures are for a driver who is alert and well
rested, in good health and not impaired by alcohol or medication.
Weather and road conditions, as well as type of vehicle and
weight of load being carried can also affect these stopping distances.