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Difficulty: EasyStopping Distances

On a dry road, a vehicle travelling at 50 mph50\text{ mph} (80 km/h80\text{ km/h}) has a thinking distance of 15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet}) and an overall stopping distance of 53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet}). What is the braking distance of the vehicle?

  1. A
    15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet})
  2. 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet})Answer
  3. C
    53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet})
  4. D
    68 metres68\text{ metres} (225 feet225\text{ feet})

Answer

38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet})
Total stopping distance consists of thinking distance plus braking distance. At 50 mph50\text{ mph}, subtracting the thinking distance of 15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet}) from the total stopping distance of 53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet}) leaves a braking distance of 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet}).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between stopping distance components
Total Stopping Distance=Thinking Distance+Braking Distance\text{Total Stopping Distance} = \text{Thinking Distance} + \text{Braking Distance}
According to The Highway Code, stopping distance is always the sum of thinking distance and braking distance.
2
Rearrange the formula to solve for braking distance
Braking Distance=Total Stopping Distance−Thinking Distance\text{Braking Distance} = \text{Total Stopping Distance} - \text{Thinking Distance}
To find the braking distance when the total stopping distance and thinking distance are known.
3
Substitute the given values into the equation
53 m−15 m=38 metres53\text{ m} - 15\text{ m} = 38\text{ metres} (or 175 ft−50 ft=125 feet175\text{ ft} - 50\text{ ft} = 125\text{ feet})
Performs the calculation using official UK Highway Code values for 50 mph50\text{ mph}.

Key Concept

Calculation of vehicle stopping distance components
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Stopping Distances

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