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Stopping Sight Distance | Overview and Calculation

Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) is the minimum sight distance for the driver to stop without colliding at any point of the highway.

Sight Distance is the length of road which is visible to the driver at any instant. If we are driving at 80 kmph, and suddenly we see a pedestrian crossing, we should be able to see them before so that we are able to react and brake without colliding. This distance is known as stopping sight distance)

Stopping Sight Distance | Overview and Calculation

Stopping Sight Distance Definition


It can be formally defined as the minimum sight distance for the driver to stop without colliding at any point of the highway. It depends on


  • Total reaction time of the driver

  • Speed of vehicle

  • Efficiency of brakes

  • Gradient of road

  • Friction


Stopping Sight distance is an important aspect of geometric design of roads


For two way traffic traffic without median - 2 times SSD is the stopping the sight distance


Total reaction time of driver


Perception time (We realise that we have to stop) and Brake reaction time (Time to apply the brakes)


PIEV Theory


  • Perception - Sensation received by brain

  • Intellection - Understanding the situation (that you have to apply the brakes)

  • Emotion - Feelings (like fear, sad)

  • Volition - Time taken for final action (applying the brakes)


Stopping Sight Distance Calculation

Stopping Sight Distance | Overview and Calculation
  • Kinetic energy is equated to the work done to apply the brakes - Braking distance

  • Reaction time varies. For young drivers it can be 1-2 sec and older drivers it can be as high as 3-4 seconds.

  • SSD will be more when you are going downhill (downward slope). Use minus n/100 in formula. For upward slope, use +n/100.

  • Friction coefficient varies from 0.3-0.4

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