Stopping Distance Explained Stopping distance at various speeds
You will be mistaken to think that the braking distance is the same as the overall stopping distance!
Stopping distance is made up of 2 parts: 1) THINKING and 2) BRAKING
A lot of learners are caught out during the test, because they aren't aware of the difference!
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.
Stopping distance at various speeds:
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 20mph is 40 feet (12 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 20 ft (6 m)) + (braking distance: 20 ft (6 m))
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 30mph is 75 feet (23 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 30 ft (9 m)) + (braking distance: 45 ft (14 m))
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 40mph is 120 feet (36 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 40 ft (12 m)) + (braking distance: 80 ft (24 m))
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 50mph is 175 feet (53 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 50 ft (15 m)) + (braking distance: 125 ft (38 m))
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 60mph is 240 feet (73 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 60 ft (18 m)) + (braking distance: 180 ft (55 m))
The Overall stopping distance when travelling at 70mph is 315 feet (96 metres).
This is made up of: (thinking distance: 70 ft (21 m)) + (braking distance: 245 ft (75 m))
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.
