What is the required stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 30 mph?

The required stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 30 mph is indeed at least 90 feet. This distance considers several factors, including the perception time (the amount of time it takes for a driver to recognize a need to stop), reaction time (the time it takes the driver to physically move their foot to the brake), and the braking distance, which is affected by the vehicle's speed, road conditions, and the efficiency of the braking system.

At 30 mph, a vehicle covers a significant distance in a matter of seconds. Typically, the stopping distance increases with speed due to the greater momentum the vehicle has. For example, the average perception and reaction time can add more distance before the brakes are applied, followed by the distance it takes to actually stop the vehicle once the brakes are engaged.

Therefore, knowing that a vehicle traveling at 30 mph typically requires around 90 feet to come to a complete stop is essential for safe driving practices, as it helps drivers gauge a safe following distance and react appropriately to hazards they may encounter on the road.