Braking distance, reaction distance and stopping distance: what you need to know

When it comes to road safety, it's crucial to understand the concepts of braking distance, reaction distance and stopping distance. These concepts are of great importance to drivers as they play a crucial role in road safety. Let's dive into the definitions of these three different but interrelated aspects.

Reaction distance: The precursor to braking distance

In typical traffic scenarios, your reaction time may seem negligible. You naturally react when the car in front slows down or when a traffic light changes from green to red. But unexpected situations require a quick reaction to avoid accidents. This is where the concept of reaction distance comes into play.

The time it takes you to move from detecting a hazard to hitting the brakes is approximately 0.8 to 1.2 seconds. The distance you travel during this reaction time depends on your speed. For safety reasons, always keep the recommended minimum distance on motorways and country roads.

Calculating braking distance

When calculating braking distance, you need to take emergency situations into account. In such scenarios, both the reaction distance and braking distance contribute to the total braking distance.

The rule of thumb for calculating the braking distance is as follows:

It's important to remember that these values are approximate guidelines. For example, at 50 km/h the braking distance is approximately 25 metres, while at 100 km/h it increases to approximately 100 metres. In addition, an average reaction time of one second has an additional impact on braking distance.

Factors that affect braking distance

The distance travelled during braking after the reaction phase depends on various factors, including:

• The type and condition of your vehicle
• The integrity of your braking system
• The condition of your tyres
• The slope of the road
• The condition of the road surface, especially on wet roads with a risk of aquaplaning.

As a general rule, higher speeds result in significantly longer braking distances. For example, if you double your speed, your braking distance quadruples. Putting an exact figure on braking distance is challenging, as it depends on your personal reaction time and the reaction distance you travel before fully braking.

Safety distance: A decisive factor

When it comes to braking and reaction distances, maintaining a safe following distance is paramount. The half speedometer rule provides a simple guideline:

Speed : 2 = Minimum distance

For example, when driving 100 km/h outside urban areas, you need to maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from the vehicle in front. Road signs at 50 metre intervals on country roads and motorways can serve as useful reference points.

To ensure your safety and the safety of other road users, it's important to understand the concepts of braking distance, reaction distance and stopping distance. Over time, this knowledge becomes second nature. In addition, don't forget to replace worn tyres immediately and make sure your brakes are in optimal condition, as these factors have a major impact on your car's handling. You can always find suitable, high-quality tyres at eiretyres.com. Happy travelling!