šŸ›‘ Brake Distance Calculator

Calculate vehicle stopping distance based on speed, reaction time, and road conditions to enhance driver safety.

Calculator
Braking Factors
Vehicle Comparison
Safety Tips

Stopping Distance Calculator

Calculate total stopping distance, including driver reaction time and vehicle braking distance, under various conditions.
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Total Stopping Distance
Reaction + Braking Distance
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Braking Distance Only
Distance after brakes applied
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Required Deceleration
Braking force needed
Skid
Speed from Skid Marks
Estimate speed from skids

Stopping Distance Breakdown

Reaction
Braking
Reaction: 0 Braking: 0
Total Stopping Distance: 0

Factors Affecting Braking Distance

Stopping distance is influenced by a combination of driver, vehicle, and environmental factors.
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Vehicle Speed
Major Impact
Braking distance increases with the square of speed. Doubling your speed quadruples your braking distance.
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Driver Reaction Time
Significant Impact
The distance traveled before applying brakes. Affected by alertness, distraction, and impairment. Average is ~1.5 seconds.
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Road Conditions
Major Impact
Wet, icy, or gravel roads drastically reduce tire grip (friction), significantly increasing stopping distance.
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Tire Condition
Significant Impact
Worn tires with low tread depth have less grip, especially on wet surfaces. Proper inflation is also critical.
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Brake System Health
Significant Impact
Worn brake pads, low fluid, or faulty components reduce braking efficiency and increase stopping distance.
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Vehicle Weight
Moderate Impact
Heavier vehicles carry more momentum and require more energy to stop, increasing braking distance.

Stopping Distance by Vehicle Type

Typical stopping distances from 60 MPH (100 KPH) on dry asphalt for different vehicle types.

šŸš— Vehicle Comparison (60-0 MPH)

Vehicle Type Typical Braking Distance (feet) Typical Braking Distance (meters) Key Factors
Sports Car 100 - 115 ft 30 - 35 m High-performance tires, large brakes, low weight
Sedan / Compact 120 - 135 ft 36 - 41 m Standard brakes and tires, moderate weight
SUV / Minivan 130 - 145 ft 40 - 44 m Higher center of gravity, increased weight
Pickup Truck (unloaded) 140 - 160 ft 43 - 49 m Stiff suspension, weight bias to the front
Pickup Truck (loaded) 160 - 190 ft 49 - 58 m Significantly increased weight and momentum
Motorcycle 120 - 140 ft 36 - 43 m Rider skill, smaller contact patch

Safe Braking Tips

Improve your driving safety by following these essential braking practices.
Maintain Safe Following Distance
Use the "3-second rule" as a minimum. Increase it to 4-5 seconds in poor weather. This gives you time to react and stop safely.
Look Ahead and Anticipate
Scan the road far ahead (12-15 seconds). This helps you spot hazards early and allows for gradual, smooth braking instead of sudden stops.
Brake Smoothly
Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. Avoid slamming on the brakes unless it's an emergency, as this can cause a loss of control.
Understand Your Brakes (ABS)
If you have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), press the brake pedal firmly and hold it. Do not pump the brakes. You will feel a pulsing sensation.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly check your brake fluid, pads, and rotors. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth.
Adapt to Conditions
Drastically reduce your speed in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Double your following distance and allow for much longer stopping distances.