Stopping Distance Calculator
Calculate the total distance required to stop a vehicle.
Avg: 1.5s (alert driver approx 0.7-1.0s, distracted 2.0s+).
Components of Stopping Distance
Total stopping distance is the sum of two components:
1. Reaction Distance
The distance traveled while the driver perceives the hazard and moves their foot to the brake pedal.
Dr = Speed × Time
2. Braking Distance
The distance traveled after the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Db = Speed² / (2 × g × Friction)
Where g is gravity (9.8 m/s² or 32.2 ft/s²).
Physics Note
Doubling your speed quadruples your braking distance. This is why speeding significantly increases the risk of accidents.