Re: Origin of Highway Code stopping distance figures
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I use the same method as adiNigel to calculate HC stopping distances. I use kerb stones to demonstrate the distance to pupils, although I find that I do not relate to stopping distances in ft or mtrs myself.
Stopping distances are only a very rough guide as many factors are involved. Driver reaction is a major factor. When you consider that at 40mph a car travels approximately 60ft per second, and if we say that the average reaction time is .75 of a second, the driver has travelled 45ft before he/she reacts. If the driver reacts in .5 of a second the driver will travel 30ft, and a slower reacting driver, say one that reacts in 1sec. will travel 60ft. You therefore have stopping distances that differ by 30ft at the same speed. Add to that the mechanical condition of the vehicle, ie tyres, brakes, suspension, etc and road surface condition, and the stopping distances will vary considerably.
Safe Speed produced a braking calculator based on brake pedal pressure. Comfortable braking at .45g of pressure at the pedal, and emergency braking at .9g. This can be found on http://www.safespeed.org.uk/braking.xls
Nigel ADI
IAM trainee observer
Stopping distances are only a very rough guide as many factors are involved. Driver reaction is a major factor. When you consider that at 40mph a car travels approximately 60ft per second, and if we say that the average reaction time is .75 of a second, the driver has travelled 45ft before he/she reacts. If the driver reacts in .5 of a second the driver will travel 30ft, and a slower reacting driver, say one that reacts in 1sec. will travel 60ft. You therefore have stopping distances that differ by 30ft at the same speed. Add to that the mechanical condition of the vehicle, ie tyres, brakes, suspension, etc and road surface condition, and the stopping distances will vary considerably.
Safe Speed produced a braking calculator based on brake pedal pressure. Comfortable braking at .45g of pressure at the pedal, and emergency braking at .9g. This can be found on http://www.safespeed.org.uk/braking.xls
Nigel ADI
IAM trainee observer