Worrying new research conducted by Kwik Fit has found that nearly half of UK drivers are dangerously unaware of stopping distances.
The survey found that 45 per cent of motorists significantly underestimate stopping distances at speed, with the average driver misjudging the stopping distance at 70 mph by a whopping 18.9 metres, or almost five car lengths. Only 10 per cent of drivers were able to correctly state the stopping distance as between 91-100 metres in accordance with the official figure of 96 metres stated in the Highway Code. The average driver aged between 18-24 believed the stopping distance at 70mph to be 64 metres, 32 metres short of the actual recommended figure, while on average drivers aged 55+ gave the figure as 83 metres, or 13 metres under the correct figure.
Frighteningly, 15 per cent of drivers questioned thought the stopping distance at 70mph was less than 50 metres. This was balanced out by 13 per cent who over-estimated the stopping distance, but a massive 31 per cent of drivers questioned admitted that they had no idea of the stopping distance figure.
This lack of knowledge led to over a quarter of drivers (27 per cent) thinking the recommended distance between vehicles at 70 mph is 30 metres or less, with the average figure stated being 52.6 metres. In fact, the official recommended distance between vehicles at 70mph is 62.6 metres, equivalent to a two second gap. Just 15 per cent of motorists were confident in claiming they respected the recommended distance at all times.
The survey also found the average driver ignorant of the correct stoppage distance at slower speeds, underestimating the stopping distance at 60mph by 10.7 metres, and at 50mph by 4.1 metres. Disturbingly, when asked to give a figure for the average stopping distance at 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70mph, almost a third of drivers (30 per cent) admitted they hadn’t a clue, and were unable to provide an estimate.
“Many accidents appear to be unavoidable, but giving other cars the right amount of distance does a great deal to minimise the risks,” said Roger Griggs, Communications Director at Kwik Fit.
“It’s vital that drivers know their stopping distances. We all learnt them for our driving test, but these are figures which should stay with every driver throughout their motoring years, as they may one day save them from an accident.”
“Obviously a key factor in a car’s stopping distances is the condition of its brakes and tyres. Although car performance has undoubtedly improved since the distances in the Highway Code were established, drivers must remember that these are for dry roads in good conditions with good tyres and brakes. If any of these factors are less than perfect, then stopping distances can dramatically increase.”
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