Stopafstand

Stopafstand is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a need to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete halt. It is typically divided into three components: reaction distance, braking distance, and total stopping distance. Reaction distance depends on the driver's reaction time and the vehicle's speed, calculated as the speed multiplied by the reaction time. Braking distance depends on speed, vehicle mass, braking system efficiency, road surface, and tire condition. The total stopping distance is the sum of reaction and braking distances.

Factors that influence stopafstand include speed, vehicle weight, brake condition, tire type and inflation, road surface (smooth, wet, icy), weather conditions, and driver factors such as fatigue or distraction. Modern vehicles often employ electronic brake force distribution and stability control systems that can reduce braking distance. In many jurisdictions, legal regulations specify maximum allowable speeds and required stopping distances for safety audits and driver licensing.

Safety campaigns often emphasize maintaining a safe following distance based on the "two-second rule" or similar recommendations, which allows sufficient stopping distance under typical conditions. Heavy trucks and motorbuses have longer stopping distances and must maintain larger safe gaps. Understanding stopafstand is essential for road safety education, accident investigation, and driving test criteria.