What is the braking distance at 60 mph?
In dry, well-maintained conditions a typical car can stop from 60 mph in roughly 170–200 feet (52–61 meters) once braking begins, with total stopping distance around 300 feet (90 meters) including the driver’s reaction time. In less favorable conditions, the distance can be much longer.
How braking distance is measured
Braking distance is the distance the vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. It does not include the perception and reaction time, which add to the total stopping distance. The total stopping distance equals the reaction distance plus the braking distance, and both components depend on vehicle, tire, road, and driver factors.
Braking distances by conditions at 60 mph
The following ranges illustrate how surface and tire conditions affect braking distance at 60 mph. They are approximate and depend on the specific vehicle and tire condition.
- Dry pavement with good tires: braking distance roughly 120–180 feet (37–55 meters). Total stopping distance, including a typical reaction time, is often around 210–260 feet (64–80 meters).
- Wet pavement: braking distance roughly 200–300 feet (61–91 meters). Total stopping distance commonly around 370–420 feet (113–128 meters).
- Snow or ice: braking distance often 400–1,200 feet (122–366 meters) or more, depending on ice and tread. Total stopping distance can exceed 1,000 feet (305 meters) in severe cases.
- Loose gravel or uneven surfaces: braking distance can be significantly longer than dry pavement, typically in the 250–350 feet (76–107 meters) range under moderate conditions, but highly variable.
Important caveat: braking distances scale with the square of speed and with the available friction. Even small reductions in surface grip or tire condition can dramatically increase stopping distance.
Key factors influencing stopping distance
- Tire condition and tread depth
- Road surface and weather (dry, wet, snow, ice)
- Vehicle weight and drivetrain configuration
- Braking system type (standard vs. ABS)
- Driver reaction time and attentiveness
- Brake maintenance and heat dissipation
These factors interact in complex ways. Among them, tire grip and road surface have the most direct impact on how quickly a car can shed speed.
What drivers can do to stay safe
- Maintain a generous following distance and adapt speed to road conditions.
- Check tires regularly for wear and proper inflation; replace worn tires promptly.
- Use appropriate braking techniques on slippery surfaces and let ABS work as designed if equipped.
- Plan ahead to slow down well before hazards, rather than braking hard at the last moment.
Practical steps like tire maintenance, cautious speed adjustment, and ample following distance are your best tools to reduce stopping distances and improve overall safety.
Summary
From 60 mph, braking distance varies widely with surface conditions and tire health. In ideal dry conditions, expect about 120–180 feet (37–55 meters) for the braking portion, with total stopping distances near 210–260 feet (64–80 meters). Wet, snowy, or icy conditions can push braking distances well beyond these figures, sometimes dramatically so. Regular tire maintenance, prudent speed for conditions, and adequate following distance remain the most effective ways to minimize stopping distance and improve safety on the road.
How many seconds to stop at 60 mph?
Knowing something about braking distances (how much ground a vehicle covers before it can fully stop) can make for safer and more enjoyable driving. Let's start with the basics. A vehicle traveling at 60 mph covers 88 feet per second. But stopping that vehicle takes over 4.5 seconds and covers a distance of 271 feet.
Is it 2 seconds or 2 car lengths?
The 'Two Second Driving Rule' states that you should remain at least two seconds away from the rear of the vehicle travelling in front of you, regardless of your speed. This will ensure that you will be at least one car's length per five mph away from the car in front, allowing adequate stopping time.
How many feet does it take to stop going 70 mph?
246 feet
The braking distance traveled will increase as your speed goes higher. For a typical car with dry pavement, the braking distance at 50 mph is approximately 130 feet. The braking distance at 70 mph is a huge 246 feet, which is about 82 yards.
What is the braking distance at 60 mph wet?
The numbers tell a compelling story: tests by Hunter Engineering found that at 60 mph on wet roads, a vehicle with new tires (10/32″) stopped in 234 feet. The same vehicle with worn-but-legal tires (2/32″) needed 356 feet—about the length of a football field.
