Changing Weather Conditions

Our nice weather is now away and has been replaced with rain.

It is therefore important that we all take extra care on the roads in the wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.  This is because your tyres have less grip on the road in wet weather.

• You should make sure that you keep well back from the vehicle in front.        This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is        preventing your tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
• The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
• Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery 
• Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders

Stopping Distances

Distances in feet

       Thinking distance                                 Braking distance                                Stopping distance
Thinking distance 20mph: 20 ft.      Braking distance 20mph: 20 ft.        Stopping distance 20mph: 40 ft.
Thinking distance 30mph: 30 ft.      Braking distance 30mph: 45 ft.        Stopping distance 30mph: 75 ft.
Thinking distance 40mph: 40 ft.      Braking distance 40mph: 80 ft.        Stopping distance 40mph: 120 ft.
Thinking distance 50mph: 50 ft.      Braking distance 50mph: 125 ft.      Stopping distance 50mph: 175 ft.
Thinking distance 60mph: 60 ft.      Braking distance 60mph: 180 ft.      Stopping distance 60mph: 240 ft.
Thinking distance 70mph: 70 ft.      Braking distance 70mph: 245 ft.      Stopping distance 70mph: 315 ft.

Distances in metres

As above, the following chart is based on a typical car, with legal tyres, good brakes and good weather / dry roads. The following chart is for stopping distances in metres based on UK speed limits.

       Thinking distance                                       Braking distance                          Stopping distance
Thinking distance 20mph: 6 m         Braking distance 20mph: 6 m        Stopping distance 20mph: 12 m
Thinking distance 30mph: 9 m         Braking distance 30mph: 14 m      Stopping distance 30mph: 23 m
Thinking distance 40mph: 12 m       Braking distance 40mph: 24 m      Stopping distance 40mph: 36 m
Thinking distance 50mph: 15 m       Braking distance 50mph: 38 m      Stopping distance 50mph: 53 m
Thinking distance 60mph: 18 m       Braking distance 60mph: 55 m      Stopping distance 60mph: 73 m
Thinking distance 70mph: 21 m       Braking distance 70mph: 75 m      Stopping distance 70mph: 96 m

Remember - in wet weather double your distances.