Massachusetts Fines and Limits Permit Practice Test

What is the total stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 60 mph?

1. 150 feet

2. 200 feet

3. 250 feet

4. 292 feet

The correct answer is: 292 feet

The total stopping distance for a vehicle is the sum of the reaction distance and the braking distance. At 60 mph, the stopping distance can be roughly estimated using the formula: 1. **Reaction Distance:** This is the distance traveled while the driver reacts to a hazard. The average reaction time is typically around 1.5 seconds. At 60 mph, a vehicle travels about 88 feet per second (60 mph x 1.47 feet/second). Thus, at a reaction time of 1.5 seconds, the reaction distance would be approximately 132 feet (88 feet/second x 1.5 seconds). 2. **Braking Distance:** This is the distance it takes for the vehicle to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied. According to various studies and driving manuals, at 60 mph, the braking distance on dry pavement is roughly 180 feet under ideal conditions. By adding both the reaction distance and the braking distance together: 132 feet (reaction distance) + 180 feet (braking distance) = 312 feet. However, real-world conditions might add variations due to factors such as road conditions, vehicle type, and driver reaction speed. The figure of 292 feet is commonly cited