At what speed does your stopping distance on a dry road equal approximately 12 meters?

The stopping distance on a dry road is influenced by various factors including speed, reaction time, and braking distance. The typical formula to estimate stopping distance combines the reaction distance (the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time) and the braking distance.

For a speed of around 20 mph, the total stopping distance is approximately 12 meters. At this speed, the reaction time element accounts for a significant portion of the stopping distance, alongside the distance covered once the brakes are applied.

At 20 mph, the reaction distance is about 6 meters and the braking distance is approximately 6 meters as well, leading to a total of around 12 meters. As speeds increase or decrease from this value, the total stopping distance will also increase or decrease, aligning with the laws of physics that dictate how distance scales with speed under constant deceleration.

This is why the selected speed of 20 mph is correct; it matches the stopping distance of 12 meters on a dry road, showcasing the balance between reaction time and braking capability effectively.