Stopping Distances: A Key Factor in Road Safety

When driving, one of the most important things to keep in mind is stopping distances. Knowing how much distance is required to bring your vehicle to a complete stop can make all the difference in avoiding accidents and staying safe on the road. Stopping distances can be affected by a variety of factors, including road conditions such as wet or slippery surfaces. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at stopping distances in normal and wet conditions, including key factors that affect stopping distances and tips for staying safe on the road. For more information visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety

Stopping Distances in Normal Conditions

In normal conditions, stopping distances are affected by three main factors: perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. These factors work together to determine the total distance required to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

Perception distance refers to the distance a vehicle travels while a driver is reacting to a hazard or obstacle on the road. This includes the time it takes for a driver to recognize a hazard and decide to take action.

Reaction distance is the distance a vehicle travels while a driver is physically reacting to a hazard or obstacle on the road. This includes the time it takes for a driver to move their foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal.

Braking distance refers to the distance a vehicle travels while the brakes are being applied to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This is affected by a variety of factors, including the condition of the brakes, the weight of the vehicle, and the speed of the vehicle.

To calculate stopping distance in normal conditions, add perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance together.

Stopping Distances in Wet Conditions

In wet conditions, stopping distances can be significantly longer than in normal conditions. This is because wet surfaces reduce the amount of friction between the tires and the road, making it harder for the vehicle to come to a complete stop.

In addition to the three factors that affect stopping distances in normal conditions, wet conditions also introduce a fourth factor: skid distance. Skid distance refers to the distance a vehicle travels while the tires are locked and sliding along the road.

To calculate stopping distance in wet conditions, add perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance, and skid distance together.

Key Factors that Affect Stopping Distances

Several key factors can affect stopping distances, both in normal and wet conditions.

These include:

  1. Speed: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer its stopping distance will be.
  2. Condition of the vehicle: Vehicles with poorly maintained brakes or tires will have longer stopping distances.
  3. Weight of the vehicle: Heavier vehicles require longer stopping distances than lighter vehicles.
  4. Road conditions: Wet, icy, or slippery roads will increase stopping distances.
  5. Driver reaction time: A driver’s reaction time can be affected by distractions, fatigue, or impairment.

To provide a better understanding of stopping distances in different conditions, let’s take a look at the stopping distances at three common speeds: 60 km/h, 80 km/h, and 110 km/h.

It’s important to note that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and may vary depending on factors such as driver reaction time and vehicle maintenance.

Stopping Distances at 60 km/h

In dry conditions, the stopping distance at 60 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 18 meters
  • Reaction distance: 18 meters
  • Braking distance: 24 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 60 meters

In wet conditions, the stopping distance at 60 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 18 meters
  • Reaction distance: 18 meters
  • Braking distance: 36 meters
  • Skid distance: 10 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 82 meters

Stopping Distances at 80 km/h

In dry conditions, the stopping distance at 80 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 24 meters
  • Reaction distance: 24 meters
  • Braking distance: 44 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 92 meters

In wet conditions, the stopping distance at 80 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 24 meters
  • Reaction distance: 24 meters
  • Braking distance: 72 meters
  • Skid distance: 22 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 142 meters

Stopping Distances at 110 km/h

In dry conditions, the stopping distance at 110 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 33 meters
  • Reaction distance: 33 meters
  • Braking distance: 85 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 151 meters

In wet conditions, the stopping distance at 110 km/h is approximately:

  • Perception distance: 33 meters
  • Reaction distance: 33 meters
  • Braking distance: 136 meters
  • Skid distance: 66 meters
  • Total stopping distance: 268 meters

Tips for Reducing Stopping Distances

Reducing stopping distances can help to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
  • Reduce your speed when driving in wet or slippery conditions.
  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, including brakes and tires.
  • Avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or using your phone.
  • Stay alert and focused on the road, particularly when driving in unfamiliar areas.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

To reduce the risk of accidents and stay safe on the road, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

  • Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
  • Reduce your speed in wet or slippery conditions.
  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, including brakes and tires.
  • Avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or using your phone.
  • Stay alert and focused on the road, particularly when driving in unfamiliar areas.

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