Approximately how many feet does a car traveling at 70 mph take to stop after applying the brakes?

When a car is traveling at a high speed, such as 70 mph, the stopping distance is influenced by several factors including perception time, reaction time, and the actual braking distance. Generally, for a vehicle traveling at this speed, the total stopping distance can be approximately calculated using the formula that takes into account both the reaction time and the distance required to come to a complete stop.

At 70 mph, it is widely accepted that the total stopping distance is around 387 feet in ideal conditions. This distance includes the time it takes for the driver to perceive a hazard, react to it, and the physical distance needed to slow the car to a halt once the brakes are applied. Factors such as road conditions, vehicle condition, and type of braking system can influence stopping distances, but the estimate of 387 feet provides a practical guideline for drivers to understand the significant distance required to stop at high speeds.

Knowing this figure can help drivers maintain a safe following distance and be more mindful of their speed, especially in conditions where stopping distances could be even longer due to factors like wet or icy roads.