Shortest stopping distance in metres


40 km/h
vehicle speed
Thinking distance+ braking distance= stopping distance

illustration


60 km/h
vehicle speed
Thinking distance+ braking distance= stopping distance

illustration


80 km/h
vehicle speed
Thinking distance+ braking distance= stopping distance

illustration

  An average double-decker bus is about 12 metres long. Compare the distances shown with a line of buses
  illustration

On a dry road, an alert driver with a car equipped with good brakes and tyres driving at speeds shown on the left, can stop in the distances shown on the right. These are the shortest stopping distances.

The stopping distance is the thinking distance plus the braking distance.

    Thinking distance

- the distance the vehicle travels after the driver has seen the danger and before the brakes are on.

Thinking distance increases greatly for drivers suffering from slow reactions, tiredness, illness or lack of concentration.

    Braking distance

- the distance the vehicle travels after the brakes have been put on before stopping.

Braking distance increases greatly with wet and slippery roads, poor brakes or tyres.