When you're driving at 55 mph under good driving conditions, your total stopping distance will be?

When driving at 55 mph under good conditions, the total stopping distance typically includes the perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. The perception distance is the distance your vehicle travels while you identify a hazard. The reaction distance is how far your vehicle travels while you react to that hazard and apply the brakes. Lastly, the braking distance is how far your vehicle travels once the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.

At 55 mph, the average total stopping distance is roughly around 419 feet. This figure is generally accepted in driving education, as it accounts for the combined distances of perception, reaction, and braking under ideal circumstances. Understanding this distance is crucial for maintaining safe driving practices, particularly on highways where higher speeds can dramatically increase stopping distances.

Distances over 300 feet and under 250 feet may misrepresent the reality of stopping distances at higher speeds. While driving conditions can affect these values, the estimation of about 419 feet is consistent with standardized calculations used in driver education and safety courses.