The distance a vehicle needs to travel from its current speed to the speed it wants to be traveling at is known as the braking distance, an important parameter.
The distance needed to stop is frequently underestimated, which leads many drivers to disregard the necessary stopping distance when traveling at high speeds.
Learning to calculate stopping distance and being familiar with its influencing factors are essential life skills.
As a result, we’d like to devote today’s conversation to discuss the most pertinent points with you.
Distances for braking, stopping, and safety all come into play here.
These three concepts are staples on every state’s written and behind-the-wheel exams, so anyone who has recently passed their driver’s license exam should have no trouble recalling them.
In general, rather than relying on “empirical formulas,” also known as simplified approximations, it is best to understand what the terms mean and how to apply the formulas that correspond to them correctly.
Braking distance is essentially the “main topic,” It can be broken down into two distinct subtopics: standard braking and emergency braking.
In the event of an unexpected event, the brake pedal is forced to the floor, which simultaneously boosts the braking force and shortens the stopping distance.
Despite the danger, most motorists dare not press the brake pedal down.
As a result, this ought to be something that is done frequently. The formula used differs depending on whether or not standard braking or emergency braking is involved.
The following criteria must be met for standard braking:
The stopping distance would be 49 meters if you traveled 70 kilometers per hour.
The following formula is utilized for the application of emergency braking:
1. Braking distance(danger) = 1/2 x (speed/10 x speed/10)
2. The braking distance at this speed, 70 kilometers per hour, would be 24.5 meters.
3. The stopping distance equals the speed multiplied by the speed.
Note: These formulas can only be utilized if the road’s surface is dry, the tires are in good condition, and they have a good profile.
The braking distance is included in the stopping distance; however, the stopping distance takes into account the entire braking process, including the reaction time, the response time, and the amount of time needed for the brakes to build up their force.
In most cases, stopping distance refers to the space that must pass before the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop in a potentially hazardous situation.
It should be obvious why the calculated stopping distance cannot be used in this scenario, given the circumstances.
The vehicle continues to move at the same speed even when it takes to recognize the risk and respond appropriately. Even if there is only a difference of tenths of seconds between them, there is still a significant difference when compared:
The formula for calculating stopping distance is as follows: reaction distance plus braking distance (hazard) = stopping the spread.
Distance to stop (in meters) = speed/10 times three plus [1/2 times speed/10 times speed/10 times speed/10]
Using the previous example as a starting point, we find that the braking distance at 70 kilometers per hour is 24.5 meters, but the stopping distance is 45.5 meters.
A value that is almost identical to the value of double. One of the many reasons stopping distance is so frequently underestimated is this.
The precautionary distance is the final parameter to be considered in this particular setting. At the very least, it must be proportional to the reaction distance.
In the past, the general rule was to follow the speed indicated by the speedometer by cutting it in half.
This is applicable even in modern times, but only when the road in front of you is dry and you have a clear view of the vehicle in front of you.
The following is the updated formula that takes into account the factors above:
The relationship between speed and safety distance is simple: x factor (place) multiplied by x factor (time) multiplied by four.
There are a variety of different values utilized for the factors of time and place. Therefore, factor (site) 1 is whether or not it is inside or outside of the city, and element (home) 2 is whether or not it is on the highway.
When the road is dry, the time factor is set to 1, while when it is raining, it is set to 1.5, and when it is snowing, it is set to 4.
When driving on a dry road at 70 kilometers per hour, our example, we need a safety distance of 35 meters, which is precisely half the driving speed and even more than our calculated reaction distance.
Anyone interested in learning more about this topic can visit the RACE website, which contains additional information.
What are some factors that can affect the stopping distance?
There are a variety of elements that can either lengthen or shorten the stopping distance. The technical characteristics of the vehicle, on the one hand, and the area’s environmental conditions, on the other hand, are the factors in question.
The first group can be actively influenced, whereas the second cannot be. The following are some considerations you, as a driver, need to give some thought to:
1. The braking system
The braking system unquestionably has an impact, both directly and indirectly, on the braking efficiency and, as a result, the stopping distance.
They should be kept in excellent condition at all times and should undergo routine maintenance.
Brake discs or linings that have been heavily worn can reduce the coefficient of friction, which can cause the stopping distance to double in the worst-case scenario.
This is not something that happens all at once, but rather it is a slow and steady process.
Nevertheless, in a dire situation, it has the potential to determine whether or not there will be an accident.
Each time a vehicle goes through its general MOT and DEKRA inspection, the brakes are also inspected.
People who drive their cars and put a lot of miles on them should take their vehicles into a repair shop every 30,000 kilometers to have them inspected and, if necessary, fixed.
Regarding the force that can be applied to a stop, it is not necessary to differentiate between disc and drum brakes.
2. Tires
The driver has some control over their stopping distance, but tires are another factor that comes into play. The essential component is the profile.
Slicks are used on Formula One racing cars because, in theory, they provide better braking than tires with profiles. This is the reason why slicks are used.
On the other hand, the circumstance shifts if the road is not in its ideal condition, for example, muddy or wet.
Although the recommended tread depth is 1.6 millimeters, the recommendation from the experts is much higher, at 3 millimeters.
Only at that point is it possible to guarantee a constant braking distance. When driving with the wrong tires, such as summer tires on snow or vice versa, you put yourself in the most dangerous situation possible.
In the first scenario, you run the risk of no longer being able to apply the brakes, and in the second scenario, you put yourself in danger of having a tire blow out and losing control of the vehicle.
3. The weather as well as the current road conditions
It is impossible to control any of these factors, even if you always want the road to be dry, have good pavement, and have pleasant temperatures.
Despite this, it is possible to adapt your driving to the conditions, both in terms of the weather and the situation, by increasing your safety distance and decreasing your speed.
There are a lot of drivers out there who are confused about how the braking distance changes depending on the weather. Here is an illustration of that:
On a dry road, the stopping distance is 48 meters when traveling 100 kilometers per hour.
Therefore, a tremendous gap exists between the two. Because it is much more challenging to apply the brakes in an emergency during the winter, it is essential to drive cautiously and with plenty of anticipation during this time of year.
4. A sloping surface
The slopes or inclines of the streets are a factor in urban traffic that, unless you live in San Francisco, can be ignored for the most part.
However, if you are going to be doing a lot of driving or sightseeing on your vacation, these may be useful.
Because the vehicle has to work against the slope when driving uphill, the stopping distance is shorter than when going downhill.
The opposite is true on downhill gradients, which means that the braking distance will increase even with the same braking force applied.
A formula can be used for this, but it is somewhat more complicated than the rules of thumb typically used.
As a general rule, it is essential to keep in mind that descending slopes make it more difficult to stop quickly, and because of this, the distance between vehicles should be increased.
the use of regressive as well as progressive braking
Braking distance and how braking is done, also known as progressive and regressive braking, are two terms that are frequently discussed in driving schools and are commonly heard in conjunction with one another.
Driving school teachers don’t seem to agree on which strategy is “more accurate,” as both approaches have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
By first pressing lightly on the brake pedal, progressive braking gradually builds up pressure until the car comes to a complete stop.
This technique can be recognized by the typical “jerk” that a vehicle exhibits just before it comes to a complete stop.
This happens because the driver has to press the brake pedal even more firmly to avoid colliding with the car’s bumper in front of them.
Although drivers frequently use this technique, it is the most inefficient one because it demands a great deal of focus and results in unpleasant and unnecessary jolts.
To brake backward, you must first press the brake pedal firmly to slow down immediately, then roll smoothly and safely towards the front car or the stop line to come to a stop.
This technique is the one that should be used for practicing fully pressing down on the brake pedal, so it is highly recommended for beginners.
Because the vehicle’s speed is reduced before the brakes, the potential for hazardous circumstances is mitigated, and the typical jerk that occurs after the brakes is eliminated.
Only disadvantage: Those who apply excessive pressure to the brake pedal will be required to speed up once more to have sufficient energy to continue rolling.
Conclusion
Not only will a person who devotes some of their time to learning about braking distance and the factors that can influence it to become an improved driver, but they will learn a great deal, as well.
However, the most important thing is not to memorize all formulas exactly; instead, it is to be aware of the circumstances in which braking distance can be increased, as well as the moments that call for increased attention.
The technical issues must be considered, and kept in mind that the stated inspection and maintenance intervals must be followed.
Anybody who disobeys them risks not only their own life but also the lives of others. They also expose themselves to the possibility of harsh punishment by the government.
