HomeEngineeringCivilStopping Sight Distance
Print

Stopping Sight Distance

on . Posted in Civil Engineering

stopping distance 1Stopping sight distance, abbreviated as SSD, is the minimum distance required for a driver to perceive a hazard, react to it by applying the brakes, and bring their vehicle to a complete stop without colliding with the hazard.  In other words, it's the distance a driver needs to stop safely after they have recognized a dangerous situation ahead.

Stopping Sight Distance Index

Stopping sight distance takes into account several factors

  • Perception Time  -  The time it takes for a driver to notice a hazard and decide to initiate braking.
  • Reaction Time  -  The time it takes for a driver to physically move their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
  • Braking Distance  -  The distance the vehicle travels while slowing down and coming to a complete stop after the brakes are applied.

The perception distance is determined by the driver's speed, reaction time, and the time it takes for the brain to process visual information.  The reaction distance is influenced by the driver's reaction time and the initial speed of the vehicle.  The braking distance depends on the vehicle's deceleration rate, which can vary based on road conditions, tire grip, and other factors.

Transportation engineers use SSD to design roads, intersections, and other traffic infrastructure to ensure that drivers have enough space to react to hazards and come to a safe stop.  This helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of road users.  Different design standards and guidelines provide specific values for stopping sight distance based on road types, speeds, and other relevant factors.

 

stopping Sight Distance formulas

\( SSD =  1.47 \; V \; t  + 1.075  \; ( V^2  \;/\; a )  \)

\( SSD =  1.47 \; V \; t  \;  ( 1.075 \; V^2 \;/\; a )  \)

\( SSD =   1.47 \; V \; t  + 1.075 \; V^2  \;/\; a \) 
Symbol English Metric
\( SSD \) = sight distance for stopping or passing \( ft\) \(m\) 
\( V \) = design speed \(ft\;/\;sec\) \(m\;/\;s\)
\( t \) = brake reaction time \(sec\) \(s\)
\( a \) = deceleration rate \(ft\;/\;sec^2\) \(m\;/\;s^2\)

 

AASHTO Exhibit 3-1 Stopping Sight Distance

Brake reaction distance predicated on a time of 2.5 s; deceleration.  Rate of 11.2 \(ft/s^2\) used to determine calculated sight distance.
Design Speed
 Design Speed Distance
 Braking Distance on Level Stopping Sight Distance
Calculated Design
15 55.1 21.6 76.7 80
 20  73..5  38.4  111.9  115
25 91.9  60.0  151.9 155
30 110.3  86.4 196.7 200
35 128.6  117.6  246.2 250
40 147.0  153.6 300.6 305
45 165.4  194.4  359.8 360
 50  183.8  240.0 423.8  425
55 202.1  290.3 492.4 495
60 220.5  345.5 566.0 570
65 238.9  4.505 644.4 645
70 257.3  470.3 727.6 730
75 275.6  539.9 815.5 820
80 294.0  614.3 908.3 910

 

P D Logo 1

Tags: Transportation Surveying

Latest Articles