vehicle stopping distance

• Stopping distance


  The total distance traveled from when the driver first spots an obstruction to when the car stops
• Stopping distance


  1. Thinking distance

  2. Braking distance
• Thinking distance


  The distance travelled by the car during the driver's reaction time
• Reaction time


  The time taken for the driver to spot the obstruction, make a decision, and move their foot to the brake
• Reaction time varies from person to person, typically between 0.2 and 0.9 seconds
• Factors that increase reaction time: alcohol, drugs, distractions in the car (e.g. mobile phone)
• Braking distance


  The distance the car travels from when the driver applies the brakes to when the car stops
• As vehicle speed increases

  Stopping distance increases
• At 30 mph, a typical family car takes around 23 metres to stop, equivalent to 6 car lengths
• Wet or icy conditions

  Reduce friction between tires and road, increasing braking distance
• Worn tires


  Reduce friction between tires and road, increasing braking distance
• Worn brakes


  Increase braking distance