Pro-Motion Driving School
A driving instructor providing quality driving lessons in Dumfries and the surrounding area.
We serve postcodes DG1 & DG2
Stopping Distances
It is important that we all take extra care on the roads when we do not have the best weather conditions. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road in wet weather. In icy conditions stopping distances should be 10 times those on dry roads.
Stopping Distances
Distances in feet
|
Speed (MPH) |
Thinking Distance (Feet) |
Braking Distance (Feet) |
Stopping Distance (Feet) |
|
20 MPH |
20 ft. |
20 ft. |
40 ft. |
|
30 MPH |
30 ft. |
45ft |
75 ft. |
|
40 MPH |
40 ft. |
80 ft. |
120 ft. |
|
50 MPH |
50 ft. |
125 ft. |
175 ft. |
|
60 MPH |
60 ft. |
180 ft. |
240 ft. |
|
70 MPH |
70 ft. |
245 ft. |
315 ft. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distances in metres
|
|
|
|
|
Speed (MPH) |
Thinking Distance (Metres) |
Braking Distance (Metres |
) Stopping Distance (Metres) |
|
20 MPH |
6 m |
6 m |
12 m |
|
30 MPH |
9 m |
14 m |
23 m |
|
40 MPH |
12 m |
24 m |
36 m |
|
50 MPH |
15 m |
38 m |
53 m |
|
60 MPH |
18 m |
55 m |
73 m |
|
70 MPH
|
21 m |
75 m |
96 m
|
Thinking Distances
A thinking distance is dependant on you as the driver. Other than the speed of the car, your thinking distance can be increased by the following factors:-
-
tiredness,
-
lack of concentration. (eg. use of mobile phones whilst driving)
-
age - an aging driver may have an increased thinking distance
-
drink or drugs (legal or illegal).
-
bad vision can decrease your reaction distance
Braking Distances
Other than the speed of the car, your braking distance can be increased by the following factors:-
-
the weight of the car
-
condition of the brakes. Worn discs and/or pads mean that it can take longer to reduce your cars speed.
-
condition of your tyres. Highly worn tyres can increase braking distance, especially during wet weather.
-
Road surface condition. General condition of the road surface and how well maintained it is. Gravel, dirt and mud will increase braking distance.
-
Wet or icy roads will increase braking distance.
Stopping Distances
Stopping distances for cars when driving is a calculation based on the drivers thinking distance; the distance the car has travelled before the driver reacts to a hazard and the braking distance; which is how long the car takes to stop once the brakes have been applied. The Thinking Distance and Braking Distance factors listed above will have an affect on your actual stopping distance.
REMEMBER - In rain your stopping distance doubles and in icy conditions your distance is 10 times as much as that of dry roads.