Vehicle Speed and Stopping Distance Calculator
- Author: Leslie Weintraub
Quickly determine the speed and stopping distance of automobile, or small or large trucks. You will use this essential calculator during interviews, investigations, depositions, and trials in determining the speed and stopping distance of automobiles or small or large trucks. One side gives you the stopping distance of cars, and two truck types; the back side shows the stopping distance for three truck tractors and semitrailers.
Example: Assume a standard passenger car traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour. Dial the calculator to 35 miles per hour and read the section for standard size passenger cars. The distance traveled during reaction time is 37.5 feet. With better brakes the stopping distance is 46 to 47 feet. At 35 miles per hour the total stopping distance (reaction time plus brake application and braking distance time) is 83.5 to 84.5 feet for a standard size passenger car with better brakes.