answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The maximum speed limit on UK roads is 70mph.

If you want to know the stopping distances for speed not given in the Highway Code, then the formula used is:

speed ft thinking distance + speed² / 20 ft braking distance

where the speed is in mph.

eg 20 mph: 20 ft + 20² / 20 ft = 20 ft + 20 ft = 40 ft

eg 70 mph: 70 ft + 70² / 20 ft = 70 ft + 245 ft = 315 ft

If you want to know what 315 ft looks like, in metres it is 315 × 0.3048 m = 96.012 m which is approx 100m which is the distance between the marker posts along the edge of a motorway - if you need to do an emergency stop to avoid a static object on the road, you need to be looking approximately the distance between the marker posts up the road!

The stopping distances have not be changed since they were first included in the Highway Code despite the improvement in car brakes; when I bought my current car in the showroom was a display about tyres and why you should always have good tread: it gave the braking distance for a minimum legal tread (1.6mm) on wet roads from 50 mph the same as what the Highway Code describes as the braking distance from 50 mph using good tyres and a dry road (ideal conditions).

Also, when doing the test for a Coach, the same stopping distances are used - a 23 tonne coach (a tri-axle coach which most are these days) running at its limited speed of 100 km/h (62½ mph) will take the (approx) 260 ft (80 m) to stop (at least - the driver's priority is the safety and comfort of their passengers, not the idiot who cuts in front and reduces the available stopping distance), so think very carefully before you pull in front of one and expect it to stop. An articulated lorry will have even more weight and although it is limited to 90 km/h (56 mph), it will still take at least the (approx) 215 ft (65 m) to stop in an emergency (I'd give it 100m to be sure).

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

The highest speed limit on UK roads is 70 mph so you should not be driving faster than that and so you should have no need to stop when going faster than 70 mph and so knowledge of the stopping distances are irrelevant.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why does the highway code not include stopping distances for speeds greater than 70 mph?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Why doesnt the highway code include stopping distances greater than 70?

The highway code typically includes information that is relevant to the majority of driving situations. Stopping distances greater than 70mph are less common and may be considered atypical. Additionally, including stopping distances above 70mph may give the impression that driving at those speeds is safe, which is not necessarily the case. It is always important for drivers to adjust their speed and maintain a safe stopping distance based on the road conditions and their vehicle's capabilities.


How many miles of highway does the U.S. interstate highway system include?

3


How many miles of highway does the U.S interstate highway system include?

3


How many miles of the highway does U.S. interstate highway system include?

3


How many miles of the highway does the U.S interstate highway system include?

3


How many miles of highway does the US Intersate Highway System include?

In 2010 it covered 47,182 miles.


What is the distance of the pacific highway?

There is more than one Pacific Highway. Please edit your question to include more context.


The srevices of which department include the administration of highway planning development and construction?

The Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration


What are the primary advantages or disadvantages broadband networks have over baseband networks?

The primary advantages of broadband networks over baseband networks include greater distances and bandwidths,while disadvantages involve high maintenance costs and requires modems.


How many miles of the highway does the U.S. interstate system include?

3


Which department include the administration of highway planning development and construction?

transprotation


How many miles of highway does the U.S. interstate system include?

3