Stopping distance = (speed^2) / (2 * friction coefficient * gravity)
Where:
- Stopping distance: the distance traveled while braking to a complete stop (in feet)
- Speed: the initial speed of the vehicle (in feet per second)
- Friction coefficient: the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road surface (dimensionless)
- Gravity: the acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/s^2)
Converting 60 mph to feet per second:
60 mph * (5280 ft / 1 mile) * (1/3600 s / 1 hr) ≈ 88 ft/s
Assuming a friction coefficient of 0.7 (typical for dry pavement):
Stopping distance = (88 ft/s)^2 / (2 * 0.7 * 32.2 ft/s^2) ≈ 370 feet
Therefore, from 60 mph, it will take approximately 370 feet to come to a complete stop on dry pavement. Remember that this is just an approximate calculation, and the actual stopping distance can vary depending on various factors such as road conditions, tire quality, and driver reaction time. Always drive safely and maintain a safe following distance to avoid collisions.
