Braking Distance Calculator

Braking distance = v² / (2gf), where v is speed in ft/s, g is gravity (32.17 ft/s²), and f is the friction coefficient. Total stopping distance adds reaction distance (speed x reaction time). On dry road at 60 mph, total stopping distance is about 240-300 feet.

Braking distance is proportional to the square of speed. If you double your speed, braking distance quadruples. Going from 30 to 60 mph increases braking distance by 4x, not 2x. This is due to the physics of kinetic energy (KE = 0.5mv²).

Wet roads increase stopping distance by about 2x compared to dry roads. Snow increases it by 3-4x, and ice can increase it by 7-10x. This is due to reduced tire friction. ABS helps maintain steering control but does not significantly reduce stopping distance on slippery surfaces.