Hazard 30 metres ahead when travelling at 20mpph

Why Time, Speed and Space Matter – Part 2

Byhelena

Hazards and Stopping Distances at 20 & 30 mph

When a hazard appears, you don’t stop instantly. First you notice it, then you react, and only then do the brakes start working. Those few seconds, and the space left in front of you – decide whether you stop in time or still make an impact.

20 mph: Safer, But Not Always Enough

Hazard 10 m ahead

  • Impact around 11 mph
  • Equivalent to falling from a table height (1.4 m)

Hazard 20 m ahead

  • Car stops in time

Hazard 30 m ahead

  • Car stops in time with space to spare
Hazard 10 metres ahead when travelling at 20mpph
Hazard 20 metres ahead when travelling at 20mpph
Hazard 30 metres ahead when travelling at 20mpph

30 mph: The Difference is Dramatic

Hazard 10 m ahead

  • Impact around 29 mph
  • Equivalent to falling from a three-storey building (8.5 m)

Hazard 20 m ahead

  • Impact around 14 mph
  • Equivalent to falling from 1st floor window (2m)

Hazard 30 m ahead

  • Car stops in time
Hazard 10 metres ahead when travelling at 30mpph

The Takeaway

These figures are based on the UK Highway Code for a typical car on a dry road. Real-world results vary with road surface, tyres, weather, and reaction time, but the principle doesn’t change:

  • The faster you go, the less chance you have of stopping in time.

All distances and fall-height equivalents are approximate, for illustration only.

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