Table 6: The RSA recommends you allow a minimum stopping distance under wet conditions of (see table below):
- Total Minimum Stopping
(m) Speed (km/h)
(m) Minimum Reaction Distance
Distance (m) Minimum Braking Distance
It is worth noting that from 50kmh to 100kmh, the total braking distance of your car can increase from at least 26 metres to at least 101 metres. When you double the speed of your car, you multiply the total braking distance nearly four times.
Remember a 5kmh difference in your speed could be the difference between life and death for a vulnerable road user like a pedestrian.
Hit by a car at 60kmh, 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed.
Hit by a car at 50kmh, 5 out of 10 of pedestrians will be killed.
Hit by a car at 30kmh, 1 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed.