According to The Highway Code, under good, dry road conditions and normal driver reaction … — UK Driving Theory Test

According to The Highway Code, under good, dry road conditions and normal driver reaction times, what is the total stopping distance in metres for a vehicle travelling at $20\text{ mph}$ ( $32\text{ km/h}$ )?

Answer: 12 metres

Answer

The total stopping distance at

20\text{ mph}

under dry conditions is

12\text{ metres}

Under normal, dry driving conditions, The Highway Code specifies that at

20\text{ mph}

(

32\text{ km/h}

), thinking distance is

6\text{ metres}

and braking distance is

6\text{ metres}

. Summing these components gives an overall stopping distance of

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the thinking distance component at

20\text{ mph}

Thinking distance is

6\text{ metres}

20\text{ mph}

, a driver with an average reaction time travels

6\text{ metres}

before physically applying the brakes.

Determine the braking distance component at

20\text{ mph}

Braking distance is

6\text{ metres}

Under dry conditions with effective brakes and tyres, the car takes

6\text{ metres}

to decelerate to a complete stop once the brakes are engaged.

Calculate the total stopping distance by adding both components

6\text{ m} + 6\text{ m} = 12\text{ metres}

Total stopping distance is defined as the sum of thinking distance and braking distance.

Key Concept

Total Stopping Distance calculation at 20 mph under normal dry conditions

Estimated Time:45s

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