Speed and Stopping Distance

The higher the speed, the less time a driver has to react to any hazard, the longer it takes to stop. While she transfers her foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal, an alert driver will travel one foot for every one mph she is driving. If traveling at 55 mph, she’s 55 feet closer to the hazard before she even starts to brake.
With good brakes, tires, and a dry pavement, an alert driver will stop her vehicle about 300 feet after she first notices the hazard.
If she can’t stop in time, the force of impact is greater the higher the speed - a 60-mph impact is four times greater than a 30-mph impact. It is not only unsafe but also illegal to drive faster than road, weather conditions, and posted speeds allow.
The best strategy is to keep a space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Use the 3-second rule as previously discussed to establish the correct following distance in ordinary traffic, weather, and road conditions. When driving conditions are less than optimal, distance should be increased.


Heavier vehicles such as trucks require even more stopping distance. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 230 feet. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take more than 400 feet to stop. So when driving behind a heavier vehicle, distance should be increased.

Taking an Online Defensive Driving course will help you learn the skills to avoid accidents.
Make sure your teen goes to a reputable Driver’s Education class.
Get a ticket dismissed by going to Traffic School