Car and other vehicle braking/breaking distances

June 26, 2008

Car and other vehicle braking/breaking distances, drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads.

Here is a table to help you with your car braking/breaking distances:

Speed of Vehicle	Thinking Distance	Braking/Breaking Distance	Stopping Distance
20 mph	20 ft. (6 m)	20 ft. (6 m)	40 ft. (12 m)
30 mph	30 ft. (9 m)	45 ft. (14 m)	75 ft. (23 m)
40 mph	40 ft. (12 m)	80 ft. (24 m)	120 ft. (36 m)
50 mph	50 ft. (15 m)	125ft. (38 m)	175 ft. (53 m)
60 mph	60 ft. (18 m)	180 ft. (55 m)	240 ft. (73 m)
70 mph	70 ft. (21 m)	245 ft. (75 m)	315 ft. (96 m)