Stopping Distances for Cars
Stopping Distance = Thinking Time + Braking Distance
For example: typical braking distance while travelling at 30 miles per
hour
Thinking Distance = 9m
Braking Distance = 14m
Stopping Distance = 9 + 14 = 23m
Which is about the same length as 6 cars!
The table shows typical stopping distances included in the Highway code
| Speed (mph) |
20 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
70 |
80 |
| Thinking Distance (m) |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
| Braking Distance (m) |
6 |
14 |
24 |
38 |
54 |
75 |
96 |
| Total Stopping Distance (m) |
12 |
23 |
36 |
53 |
72 |
96 |
120 |
The figures given are only typical because in reality the real stopping
distances will be effected by different circumstances.
For example the thinking distance will vary depending on the driver
and what state he/she is in.
Whether they are old, young, tired, careless or effected by alcohol and
or drugs
The braking distance will also depend on:
*How good the car brakes are.
*How well the tyres grip the road, which in turn can depend on the weather.
* Road surface conditions.
*The weight of the car and it's contents.
©
Cranfield University
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