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Difficulty: MediumStopping and Following Distances

You are driving a car at 50 mph50\text{ mph} on a dry, level road with good visibility and well-maintained tyres and brakes. According to the UK Highway Code, what is the typical braking distance required once the brakes are applied?

  1. A
    15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet})
  2. B
    53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet})
  3. 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet})Answer
  4. D
    76 metres76\text{ metres} (250 feet250\text{ feet})

Answer

38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet})
According to the official UK Highway Code, total stopping distance at 50 mph50\text{ mph} is 53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet}), which comprises a thinking distance of 15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet}) and a braking distance of 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet}). Therefore, the braking distance alone is 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet}).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target speed and required component of stopping distance.
The speed is 50 mph50\text{ mph} and the question specifically asks for the braking distance component.
Total stopping distance consists of thinking distance plus braking distance; isolating braking distance is required.
2
Recall the UK Highway Code distance breakdown for 50 mph50\text{ mph} in dry conditions.
Thinking distance is 15 metres15\text{ metres} (50 feet50\text{ feet}), braking distance is 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet}), giving a total stopping distance of 53 metres53\text{ metres} (175 feet175\text{ feet}).
The Highway Code defines standardized stopping distance profiles for standard car braking capability.
3
Select the value corresponding solely to the braking distance.
The braking distance is 38 metres38\text{ metres} (125 feet125\text{ feet}).
Braking distance measures only the distance travelled after the driver presses the brake pedal until the car halts.

Key Concept

Highway Code stopping distance components at 50 mph
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Stopping and Following Distances

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