At 30 mph, how many feet can it take you to stop?

At a speed of 30 mph, the distance it typically takes to stop a vehicle can be influenced by various factors, including the condition of the road, the vehicle's braking system, and the driver's reaction time. Generally, a rough estimate for stopping distance at 30 mph is around 100 to 150 feet. However, the correct answer indicates a stopping distance of 200 feet, which takes into account not only the physical stopping distance—a combined consideration of perception time, reaction time, and actual braking distance.

When driving at higher speeds, the rate at which a vehicle can stop increases exponentially due to momentum. The stopping distance typically involves three main components:

1. Perception Distance: The distance your vehicle travels while you are recognizing a need to stop.

2. Reaction Distance: The distance your vehicle travels while you are moving your foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.

3. Braking Distance: The distance your vehicle travels from the moment you apply the brakes until it comes to a complete stop.

At 30 mph, these distances combined can easily account for the estimate provided, emphasizing that under ideal conditions (good weather, perfect road conditions, and quick reactions), a driver should still prepare for a range that