Stopping distanceWorldwide
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310. Stopping distance
Stopping distance is the total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver notices a reason to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It consists of the reaction distance and the braking distance.
Stopping distance increases with speed and can become much longer when the road is wet, icy or slippery, when tyres or brakes are in poor condition, or when the driver's reaction is delayed.
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What is the difference between reaction distance and braking distance?
Reaction distance is the distance travelled while the driver recognises a hazard and reacts. Braking distance is the distance travelled after the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. Together they form the stopping distance.
How does speed affect stopping distance?
Higher speed increases both reaction distance and braking distance. Braking distance increases particularly quickly as speed rises, so even a relatively small increase in speed can considerably increase the distance needed to stop.
What can increase stopping distance?
Stopping distance can increase because of higher speed, wet or icy roads, worn tyres, poor brakes, downhill gradients, heavy loads and delayed driver reactions caused by fatigue, distraction, alcohol or other impairments.

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