“Stopping Distances”

This may floor you...

Stopping Distances for Cars

Stopping Distance = Thinking Time + Braking Distance

For example: typical braking distance while travelling at 30 miles per hour(48km/hr)

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) and since Canada has not had a Posted Speed Limit in MPH since 1977

20 = 32km/hr

30 = 48km/hr

40 = 64km/hr

50 = 80km/hr

60 = 97km/hr

70 = 113km/hr

80 = 129km/hr

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