Displaying your knowledge of the stopping distance is an important part of the Theory test and Practical driving test.

This article will feature how to calculate a safe stopping distance, looking at how road conditions and speed can affect your breaking as well as each vehicles unique breaking ability.

Reaction time is an important factor, this means how quick you react to sudden road changes or accidents.Mental alertness, influenced by factors like sleep quality and stress levels, plays a huge role. While a sharp mind can significantly improve reaction times, mental fatigue or anxiety can hinder performance.

Thinking distance is the distance a vehicle travels during the time it takes for the driver to perceive a hazard, recognize that action needs to be taken and decide what the necessary action is, before applying pressure to the brakes.

Braking distance depends on how fast a vehicle is traveling before the brakes are applied, and is proportional to the square of the initial speed. This means that even small increases in speed mean significantly longer braking distances

As a rule, you should leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front; in normal weather conditions, follow the two-second rule and leave a two-second gap. When the weather is bad and you are traveling on wet roads, this will affect stopping distance and you should keep a greater distance from the car in front, because it will take you longer to stop.

Typical stopping distance for different speeds:

20 mph > 3 car lengths

30 mph > 6 car lengths

40 mph > 9 car lengths

50 mph > 13 car lengths

60 mph > 18 car lengths

70 mph > 24 car lengths

Environmental conditions can significantly increase stopping distance. If there is poor visibility, the roads are wet or icy, or the roads are uneven, it will take you longer to stop.

Other factors that have a significant impact are tyre wear and the size of your vehicle. Heavier vehicles significantly affect overall stopping distance.

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