5b – Speeding and Stopping
5b- SPEEDING & STOPPING
SPEEDING & STOPPING
The faster you go, the fastest trouble comes to you, the harder you collide… A crash at 60 mph is 3 times harder than a crash at 30 mph. This means that when you double the speed, you triple the force of impact.
When driving, the lethal force goes up exponentially with speed.
In other words, the difference in danger between 80 mph and 100 mph is a lot bigger than the difference between 60 and 80 mph, which is a lot bigger than the difference between 40 and 60 mph, etc.
In any case, an instant deceleration from 100 mph is usually lethal in most consumer cars.
At this speed, even with seat belts and airbags, if you hit a pole or a wall that would stop the car instantly, then you have little chance of survival.
WHY?
Because all your blood vessels especially in your brain will burst under the sudden pressure, your organs, heart and liver may suffer to .(see the slow motion movie on the top of page)
The only possible survivor will be the pole. At 100 Mph It will likely go through the car past the front seat area and possibly well into the back seat area. (see the picture above)
PASSING AND STOPPING DISTANCE:
It varies according to the road condition, especially on snow and ice, but also your speed, and visibility.
Finding this number can be tricky, but with modern GPS units, you can get a fairly accurate answer simply by recording the position of the vehicle when you put your foot on the brake and then the position when you come to a full stop. The difference is, of course, your stopping distance. The same can be done for acceleration and passing distance. Just be sure that these tests are conducted on a traffic-free roadway. If driving a large RV, you will need 300 feet to stop (the length of a football field).
Remember this:
IMPORTANT: if you are traveling at 55 mph, you will need almost 7 seconds and 200 feet to stop with perfect brakes and ideal road conditions. So at highway speeds or any speed when streets and roads are slippery and visibility is reduced, allow a safe distance between you and the next vehicle.
HOW LONG IS 200 feet?
2/3 of a football field or 4 Greyhound buses following each other (a Greyhound is 45 feet long).
HOW TO REMEMBER 7 seconds over 200 feet? Think: 200 FEET= 4 ( buses) + 3 (intervals) = 7 (seconds). and of course much more if the buses are moving.
Nevada has a Basic Rule for driving at a “reasonable or proper” speed. This means that in addition to any posted speed limits, you must consider:
• The amount and type of traffic,
• The weather and the distance you can see,
• The condition of the road surface; that is, whether it is dry, wet, icy or snow-covered,
• The type of road:
—— whether it is flat and straight or steep and curvy,
—— whether it is wide or narrow.
It also means that you are never to drive at a speed that endangers you or anyone else. Depending on conditions, the safe speed may be considerably less than the posted speed limit.
EXAMPLES OF SPEED LIMITS IN NEVADA
15 mph………. School Zones
25 mph ……… Business and residential areas and school zones
35 Mph
45 mph ……… Reduced speed areas going into towns
55 mph
65 mph ……… Urban freeways, rural highways
70 mph ……… Rural interstate freeways
Remember: Speed limits are set for normal driving conditions.
When bad weather makes it hard to see or makes the road slick, you need to adjust your speed. Most people who speed do so to save time.
Let’s look at how much or how little time is saved.
Time saved when speeding
To travel 5 miles:
At 55 mph it takes 5 minutes, 27 seconds
At 60 mph it takes 5 minutes. Savings over 55 mph = 27 seconds
At 70 mph it takes 4 minutes, 17 seconds. Savings over 60 mph = 43 seconds
Meaning, you are only “saving” 1 minute 10 seconds if driving 70 mph instead of 55 mph over 5 miles.
IS IT WORTH YOUR LIFE?
To travel 15 miles:
At 55 mph it takes 16 minutes, 22 seconds
At 60 mph it takes 15 minutes. Savings over 55 mph = 1 minute, 22 seconds.
At 70 mph it takes 12 minutes, 51 seconds. Savings over 60 mph = 2 minutes, 9 seconds.
YOU ‘SAVED” 3 minutes 31 seconds from driving 70 mph versus 50 mph !!!!
WHAT ARE THE RISKS? …..YOUR LIFE, YOUR PASSENGER’S LIFE, YOUR TIME, (if you get caught) YOUR MONEY.
WHAT CAN YOU GAIN?: …..Getting early…IN HEAVEN or in the hospital! 3mn + is NOTHING meaning you gain NOTHING.
Ask yourself: “IS IT WORTH IT” ???
TO SAVE ONLY A FEW MINUTES, I MAY LOSE OR DESTROY THE REST OF MY LIFE.
The only place I could reach early is heaven.
There is nothing saved in speeding, including time, money, pain and suffering, aggravation, punishment by law, guilt, remorse(if you come up alive of course).
ONE SECOND OF DISTRACTION, A LIFETIME OF TRAUMA
For you, your family and your passenger’s family
or even passengers from another car,
Pay Attention. If you drive, drive. Nothing Else.
Just ask yourself:
Why am I in a hurry?
Does it matter?
Is it worth endangering myself and others?
A point to consider:
If you are stopped and given a ticket, it will cost you both time and money, Is it still worth it?
Speeding/ racing is exhilarating!
Then try speeding/racing in a simulator or video game!.They are very realistic, you even feel the vibrations of the steering wheel!…
You will get the same rush, you can even take more risks and it is much more safer.
But Do Not Drive Too Slow!
Did you know?
Depending on when and where driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding. Not only can this cause traffic to stack up — but it may also cause other drivers to become impatient and attempt passing when it is not safe.
No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or compliance with the law.
When there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, slower traffic must move to the right and allow other drivers to pass. On a freeway do not drive slower than 5 mph below traffic speed.
DRIVING TOO SLOW MAY ALSO BE DANGEROUS
When people think of the most common—and dangerous—driving habits, speeding often comes to mind. Speeding is a factor in about one-third of fatal traffic accidents, but driving too slowly can cause problems as well. In fact, it can be just as dangerous as speeding. Traffic officials consider driving too slowly a traffic hazard that can frustrate and confuse other drivers. Slow drivers interrupt the flow of traffic. They are also often culprits of distracted driving, or they might be new and inexperienced. This can create problems for everyone on the road.
Traffic Tickets for Driving Too Slowly
Slow driving presents such a hazard that, in some states, a motorist moving well below the speed limit can be pulled over for a traffic violation. Officials note that, while it’s uncommon, drivers can get a ticket if excessively slow driving blocks traffic or creates a road hazard.
Tailgating
The RULE-OF-THUMB does not include the reaction time that may vary for road conditions, weather, or driver experience.
THE 2-SECOND MINIMUM following distance rule-of-thumb is only a MINIMUM but most instructors recommend 3 seconds up to 4 seconds following distance for beginners. However, a large gap in heavy traffic will attract impatient drivers to swerve into the gap, often forcing the last car to brake, which is a hazardous situation. Following 2 seconds behind another car may seems a short time. In reality the distance increases as you go faster
Try to drive with the flow as much as possible.
Giving yourself time and space to stop is easier if you use these defensive driving guidelines:
1. Note when the vehicle ahead passes a point of reference that will not move (pole, bridge, etc.)
2. Begin counting “one-thousand-and-one…one–thousand-and-two…
3. Your vehicle should NOT pass that same reference point before you count “one thousand and two”
or say at normal speed “Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.”
If you do, you are following too close. Drop back.
Leave more space according to the road condition or visibility.
4. On a freeway, increase the following distance, especially above 60 mph.
5. Other traffic may enter this cushion. Be prepared to break and drop back to a safe distance.
6. Adjust your following distance in bad weather and for other factors that affect your stopping distance.
At 60 mph, 2 seconds represent 88 feet,
at 70 mph, 2 seconds represent 102 feet
Adjust your speed according to your reaction time and experience.
The distance you need to stop may vary for road conditions, weather, or driver experience.
Many drivers, both new and experienced, tend to look at the road immediately in front of the vehicle and at lane markings. In reality, safe driving requires that drivers be aware of objects and conditions 12 to 20 seconds ahead.
Scan the traffic 12 seconds ahead of you :
When traveling 25 to 30 mph, 12 seconds equals about one city block.
1. Identify points 20 to 30 seconds ahead and make this longer search range a habit.
2. Make glances to the left and right to identify “escape paths,” areas 12 to 15 seconds ahead into which it is possible to steer if a problem should develop, especially in foggy areas.
3. Identify zones where you may have to stop 4 to 8 seconds ahead. Check for shadows and movement around parked vehicles and shrubbery that could indicate the presence of children or animals.
4. Identify the proper following distance
5. Check traffic to the rear before slowing down. Your eyes must be constantly checking around you so your subconscious mind is always aware of the surroundings.
Think of an escape route (side) in case of fog on a freeway
Remember the 2-second rule:
The 2-second rule is a minimum following distance in perfect conditions
At 60 mph, 2 seconds represent 88 feet,
at 70 mph, 2 seconds represent 102 feet
It is not a reaction time calculation. As your speed increases, so does the time and distance required for you to stop.
When streets and roads are slippery and visibility is reduced, allow a safe distance at any speed between you and the next vehicle
For example: (With perfect brakes and ideal road conditions) Remember this: (quiz question)
Two quiz Questions: (take a note if you cannot remember)
STOPPING DISTANCES:
If you are traveling at 55 mph,
you would need almost 7 seconds and 200 feet to stop.
The 2-second following distance is another matter, as the car in front of you will not stop on a dime, either.
If you are traveling at 70 mph,
the overall stopping distance is 315 feet (96 meters) or 7 Greyhound buses. This is made up of:
Thinking distance: 70 ft (21 m)
Braking distance: 245 ft (75 m).
But you must be alert and respond in less than 1/2 second, including the time it takes for the command to go from your brain to your feet to apply pressure on the brakes.
Give yourself room to maneuver. In traffic, this involves the speed you are traveling and your lane position. You want to be between the cluster of vehicles in front of and behind you.
You also want to choose a lane position that allows you the most options for movement.
When you encounter a Fog zone, slow down, and stay alert for any car around you. Always imagine an “escape route” in case of a pile-up.
Intersections
When approaching an intersection, it is important to look in all directions. You should look left, right, and left again just before entering the intersection, even if you have the right-of-way. Always think of an escape route, in case the other cars do not stop or yield.
Understanding Stopping Distances
Stopping times and distances are longer than you may think. If you double your speed – say from 30 mph to 60 mph – your braking distance does not become twice as long, it becomes four times as long.
It is important to understand stopping distances to judge safe following distances. Total stopping distance consists of the following:
STOPPING DISTANCE AND TIME
- Perception Distance (blue) – the distance your vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it.
- Reaction Distance (red) – the distance traveled from the time your brain tells your foot to move from the accelerator until your foot is pressing the brake pedal.
- Braking Distance (red text) – the distance it takes ON DRY ROAD to stop once the brakes are applied.
- Distance may be much higher if the road is slippery (rain, snow, or ice).
Other Distractions
Traffic safety studies consistently show the combined perception and reaction time is two seconds or more under the best of conditions.
Driver fatigue or illness will increase reaction time.
Your braking distance increases dramatically at higher speeds. Braking distances also increase with weight. A full-size SUV requires more braking distance than a small economy car.
Wet roads, gravel or sand on the roadway, ice, and snow will increase braking distance. Under these conditions, allow yourself two to three times the normal following distance.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial drivers often maintain much more than four seconds of following distance because they need this extra space to stop. Do not cut in front of trucks and buses.
An average passenger car weighs about 3,000 pounds. The weight of an empty semi‑tractor and trailer combination is 36,000 pounds or more. Loaded trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
Commercial vehicles also have much larger blind spots. Stay out of the “No Zones” where drivers cannot see you.
This will be discussed in Lesson # 6: Sharing the Road /Commercial Vehicles.
Stopping on Slippery Roads
See Lesson #4: Ready to Drive Safely / Adverse Conditions
WHAT IS COASTING AND WHY IS IT BAD?
Anti-Lock Braking System
IMPORTANT:
Driving with a car equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS ) is a different approach.
Drivers should be aware that removing steady pressure from the brake pedal or pumping the brake will disengage, or “turn off,” the ABS.
When your anti-lock brakes are working, you may experience a rapid pulsation of the brake pedal, almost as if the brakes are pushing back. Sometimes the pedal might suddenly drop. The controller may also make a grinding or buzzing noise. In some vehicles, you may feel a slight vibration. It’s important to keep your foot on the brake pedal when you hear noise or feel pulsations and continue to apply firm pressure..
ABS prevents skidding and allows drivers to steer during an emergency braking situation. You can find out whether your car has ABS by looking for a lighted ABS symbol on the dashboard right after starting the engine, checking the owner’s manual, or asking the dealer.
You will know your ABS is not working if the ABS symbol stays light on the dashboard long after the car has started. The conventional brakes will continue to work even when ABS does not. If this happens, follow the traditional lessons learned for emergency braking or stopping situations.
There are two types of ABS brakes: 4-wheel ABS and rear-wheel anti-lock brakes. It is easy to use 4-wheel ABS once you were the know-how. In simple terms, all you have to do is brake and steer: push the brake pedal down hard, hold it down firmly and steer in the direction you want the car to go.
Many drivers have been instructed that the correct way to stop in an emergency where traction is lost and the vehicle slides is to pump the brakes.
While this may be correct with conventional brakes, it’s different with 4-wheel ABS. In an emergency, ABS pumps the brakes automatically at a much faster rate than the driver ever could.
Four-wheel ABS works like this:
Whenever the vehicle’s computer detects that one or more wheels are locking (skidding), ABS begins to pump the brakes to avoid locking. The driver needs to press hard on the brake pedal, hold it down and steer out of danger.
You should not:
• Turn the steering wheel hard or jerk it in one direction. Jerking the wheel too far can cause the vehicle to end up in the emergency stopping lane or on the shoulder of the road.
You should:
• Maintain control by steering where you want to go,
• Check that traffic is clear when you decide where to steer, and
• Steer back into the original lane as soon as the hazard is cleared.
Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes are found only on some light trucks. They prevent the rear wheels from locking up so that the back end of the vehicle does not skid sideways. However, the front wheels can still lock up and cause the driver to lose steering control. If this happens, you should let up on the brake pedal just enough to allow the front wheels to start rolling again to regain steering control.
End of Topic 5b- ” SPEEDING & Stopping”
Next Step: TOPIC5c: ‘TURNING & PASSING”