RTT Speed, Stopping Distances & Following Distance 1

Question 1

At 60 mph, approximately how many feet does a motorcycle travel each second?

Accepted Answer

88 feet

Answer

At 60 mph a vehicle covers 88 feet per second, which is why speed dramatically affects the distance needed to stop.

Question 2

How does doubling your speed affect your braking distance?

Accepted Answer

It quadruples the braking distance

Answer

Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples the distance needed to stop.

Question 3

What is the minimum recommended following distance for motorcyclists under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Two seconds

Answer

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommends a minimum two-second following distance under normal, dry conditions.

Question 4

On wet or slippery roads, how should you adjust your following distance?

Accepted Answer

Increase to at least three or four seconds

Answer

Wet surfaces significantly increase stopping distances, so a three- to four-second gap is needed to maintain a safety margin.

Question 5

Approximately how far does a motorcycle travel before stopping from 30 mph, including reaction time?

Accepted Answer

About 75 feet

Answer

At 30 mph, reaction distance is roughly 30 feet and braking distance is about 45 feet, totaling approximately 75 feet.

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