How long does it take to stop a moving vehicle?

Unidos Legales Abogados de Accidentes de Auto en San Fernando Valley

The time it takes to stop a moving vehicle depends on several factors, including the initial speed of the vehicle, the condition of the road and tires, the braking system's effectiveness, and the driver's reaction time.
The general formula for calculating the distance it takes to stop a vehicle can be approximated using the following equation:
Stopping distance = Reaction distance + Braking distance
On average, human reaction times are around 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, and the total stopping distance will vary widely based on the specific conditions. For example, stopping distances will be longer on wet or icy roads compared to dry roads due to reduced friction. Similarly, different vehicles will have different braking capabilities, so a larger and heavier vehicle will generally require more distance to come to a stop compared to a smaller and lighter vehicle.
In real-world scenarios, stopping distances can range from a few meters to tens of meters or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.
It's important for drivers to maintain safe following distances and adjust their speed to road conditions to ensure they have enough time and distance to stop safely and prevent accidents.
If you need a San Fernando Valley car accident attorney, contact Goldberg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.