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Difficulty: MediumAdjusting Margins in Ice and Snow

In normal dry conditions, a car travelling at 40 mph40\text{ mph} has an average overall stopping distance of 36 metres36\text{ metres}. According to The Highway Code, stopping distances can increase by up to 10 times10\text{ times} when driving on ice and packed snow. What is the maximum estimated overall stopping distance, in metres, for a car travelling at 40 mph40\text{ mph} in these icy conditions?

Answer: 360 metres

Answer

360 metres
According to The Highway Code, stopping distances on icy and snow-covered roads can be up to ten times greater than on dry tarmac. At 40 mph, where the normal dry stopping distance is 36 metres, multiplying by 10 gives a maximum stopping distance of 360 metres.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the baseline stopping distance in dry conditions
At 40 mph, standard stopping distance is 36 metres (12 metres thinking distance + 24 metres braking distance).
This establishes the baseline distance before factoring in adverse weather conditions.
2
Identify the weather adjustment multiplier for icy road surfaces
The multiplier for ice and packed snow is 10 times the normal dry distance.
The Highway Code Rule 230 states that stopping distances on ice and snow can be up to ten times greater due to severely reduced tyre grip.
3
Calculate the total expected stopping distance on ice
36 metres × 10 = 360 metres.
Multiplying the baseline distance by 10 provides the maximum anticipated stopping distance.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 230: In winter weather, stopping distances on ice and packed snow can be up to ten times further than in dry conditions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Adjusting Margins in Ice and Snow

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