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33.
BRAKING DISTANCE vs. SEEING DISTANCE |
Blind
bends, crests of hills or when driving at night all hold one hazard
in common: Visibility is limited.
If
your speed is such, that your total stopping distance is
greater than your seeing distance, you are running a risk.
Your
total stopping distance is made up of your reaction time (average
3/4 second) plus the actual stopping distance once the brakes have
been applied.
The
greater your speed the greater the distance to bring the vehicle to
a halt!
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This
is what it looks like as a diagram: |
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<<
REACTION
TIME + BRAKING
DISTANCE = TOTAL
STOPPING DISTANCE >> |
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<
SEEING DISTANCE >>>>>>>>>>>>>
On BLIND
BENDS /
at
NIGHT /
before CRESTS |
DANGERZONE
 |
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There is only one way
to eliminate the Danger Zone: Ensure the total stopping distance is
less than your seeing distance. To achieve this reduce speed
before blind bends, crests of hills or driving at night; the best way to
save our wildlife! (See also Section 30 - Animal on road).
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<<<
Short Seeing distance
Beyond
the crest a cyclist was hit by a speeding motorist. In seconds a
healthy young man's life was changed forever!
The
narrow road could not accommodate a cyclist and two vehicles
travelling in opposite directions. Reduce speed before a crest,
don't assume the road is clear!
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As with a blind
bend, anything could be blocking your path over the crest. Good
reflexes are useful for safe motoring, but usually it takes far
longer to stop a vehicle than drivers think it does.
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Fact
about speed: Double your speed and your braking distance
multiplies not twice, but 4 times! |
The best option is
to allow for danger on the other side of the crest and to reduce
speed. Unless you do, you are gambling with your life and that
of others. Even a reduction of 10 km/h (6 mph.) makes a big difference to
the total stopping distance.
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Our
information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend
you use above information in conjunction with a professional
driving instructor.
Road
Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.
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