Safe Speed & Stopping Distance
"Obeying the speed limit" isn't always enough for safety.
We explain the basics of safe driving, including the mechanics of stopping a car and places where you must slow down.
3 Concepts of Speed
There are 3 criteria for judging "how fast to drive".
The maximum speed designated by signs or markings.
e.g., If there is a "40" sign, it's 40km/h.
The maximum speed determined by law on roads without signs.
Cars: 60km/h / Mopeds: 30km/h
⚠️ Important Rule:
You must always obey the lower of the "Regulated Speed" and "Legal Speed".
Speed considering weather and road conditions.
On rainy or snowy days, you need to slow down sufficiently below the maximum speed.
Distance to Stop (Stopping Distance)
A car doesn't stop immediately when you brake. There are two stages until a car stops.
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Reaction Distance + Braking Distance
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● Reaction Distance (Kuso Kyori)
Distance traveled from perceiving danger until the brakes start working. (Reaction time) -
● Braking Distance (Seido Kyori)
Distance traveled from when brakes start working until the car stops completely.
📝 Rule of Thumb
Stopping distance on general roads (30-60km/h) is roughly:
"Speed minus 15 = Stopping Distance (m)".
e.g., At 60km/h, 60 - 15 = approx. 45m is needed to stop!
5 Places to Slow Down (Joko)
"Slow Down" (Joko) means proceeding at a speed where you can stop immediately (generally 10km/h or less). You must slow down in these places:
- Places with "Slow Down" signs
- Intersections with poor visibility to left/right
(*Except if there are traffic lights or priority roads) - Near road corners
- Near the top of uphill slopes
- Steep downhill slopes
Prevent accidents with a "Safe Speed"
suited to the situation!
Training for Success!