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At what stopping distance should a vehicle traveling at 40mph be expected to stop?

  1. 100 ft

  2. 110 ft

  3. 118 ft

  4. 120 ft

The correct answer is: 118 ft

When a vehicle is traveling at 40 mph, the total stopping distance is a combination of reaction time and braking distance. For a vehicle moving at this speed, the average stopping distance is approximately 118 feet, which accounts for an average reaction time of about 1.5 seconds and the distance covered while braking. At 40 mph, during the reaction time, the vehicle will travel about 44 feet before the driver can even start braking. Once the brakes are applied, the vehicle will then continue to travel a further distance until it comes to a complete stop. The braking distance at this speed adds up to approximately 74 feet. When these two components are combined, the total stopping distance reaches about 118 feet. Thus, the value of 118 feet accurately represents the expected stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 40 mph under normal conditions and is consistent with guidelines established for roadway safety.