Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.

Several factors influence this distance, including vehicle speed, road conditions, vehicle conditions and driver reaction time.

Factors Affecting Braking Distance:

Vehicle speed:

• The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop.

Road conditions: 

• The Road conditions can reduce a vehicle's ability to stop quickly and increase the vehicle's braking distance.

Dry road conditions

• At 50 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 25 meters during the braking distance.
• At 80 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 55 meters during the braking distance.

Wet road conditions

• At 50 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 32 meters during the braking distance.
• At 80 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 80 meters during the braking distance.

Icy or snowy road conditions

• At 50 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 80 meters during the braking distance.
• At 80 km/h, a vehicle can travel approximately 210 meters during the braking distance.

Vehicle condition: 

• The condition of a vehicle's brakes, tires, and suspension can affect the vehicle's ability to stop quickly.

Driver reaction time:

• The time it takes a driver to recognize the need to stop and apply the brakes can affect the vehicle's overall braking distance.

Tips for Safe Driving:

Drivers should be aware of their surroundings, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate potential hazards to reduce the risk of accidents due to long braking distances. Regular vehicle maintenance, particularly brakes, tires, and suspensions, ensures the vehicle can stop quickly in an emergency.