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Question

Difficulty: MediumStopping Distances

A car is travelling at a constant speed of 60 mph60\text{ mph} (96 km/h96\text{ km/h}) on a dry single carriageway road when the driver notices an obstruction ahead and makes an emergency stop. According to The Official Highway Code, what is the typical overall stopping distance required?

  1. A
    55 metres55\text{ metres} (180 feet180\text{ feet})
  2. B
    36 metres36\text{ metres} (120 feet120\text{ feet})
  3. 73 metres73\text{ metres} (240 feet240\text{ feet})Answer
  4. D
    146 metres146\text{ metres} (480 feet480\text{ feet})

Answer

The overall stopping distance at 60 mph60\text{ mph} (96 km/h96\text{ km/h}) under dry conditions is 73 metres73\text{ metres} (240 feet240\text{ feet}).
According to The Official Highway Code, at a speed of 60 mph60\text{ mph} (96 km/h96\text{ km/h}) on a dry road, thinking distance is 18 metres18\text{ metres} (60 feet60\text{ feet}) and braking distance is 55 metres55\text{ metres} (180 feet180\text{ feet}). Adding these two values together gives the total stopping distance of 73 metres73\text{ metres} (240 feet240\text{ feet}).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle speed and road condition
Speed is 60 mph60\text{ mph} (96 km/h96\text{ km/h}) on a dry road surface.
Official stopping distances in The Highway Code are defined based on vehicle speed and good dry road conditions.
2
Determine the thinking distance component
Thinking distance at 60 mph60\text{ mph} is 18 metres18\text{ metres} (60 feet60\text{ feet}).
Thinking distance is the distance travelled in the time it takes the driver to perceive the hazard and apply the brakes.
3
Determine the braking distance component
Braking distance at 60 mph60\text{ mph} is 55 metres55\text{ metres} (180 feet180\text{ feet}).
Braking distance is the distance the vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are pressed until it comes to a complete halt.
4
Calculate the total stopping distance
18 metres+55 metres=73 metres18\text{ metres} + 55\text{ metres} = 73\text{ metres} (60 ft+180 ft=240 ft60\text{ ft} + 180\text{ ft} = 240\text{ ft}).
Total Stopping Distance = Thinking Distance + Braking Distance.

Key Concept

Total Stopping Distance is the sum of Thinking Distance and Braking Distance.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Stopping Distances

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