Shortest stopping distances

The diagram below shows the approximate shortest stopping distances for cars travelling at different speeds assuming good brakes, good road conditions and an alert driver.



If the driver exceeds the speed limit on a British motorway (70 m.p.h) and drives at 100 m.p.h the braking distance will be doubled to over 150 m!

schoolphysics stopping distance animation

To see an interactive animation of braking distances click on the animation link.