Think you’re leaving enough space? You probably aren’t
February 05, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
New research reveals most drivers think they need more space to brake than the Highway Code advises – yet millions still tailgate. Here’s how to stay safe.
Most drivers overestimate how far their car needs to stop – but still follow too closely, putting themselves and others at risk, according to new research from the AA’s Accident Assist team.
In a survey of over 10,000 drivers, the average person believed a car travelling at 20mph needed 19 metres to think and 25m to brake. That far exceeds the Highway Code guidance of 6m for each.
Yet despite this, a third of drivers admitted they were unaware of or ignored the two-second gap rule, which suggests leaving two seconds to the car in front. Meanwhile, government figures show that a quarter of drivers follow too closely in everyday traffic.
The table below shows the stopping distances that surveyed drivers estimated at different speeds.
| Driver mean average | Thinking distance | Braking distance | Total distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20mph | 19m | 25m | 44m |
| 30mph | 25m | 34m | 59m |
| 40mph | 31m | 44m | 75m |
| 50mph | 37m | 53m | 90m |
| 60mph | 43m | 62m | 105m |
| 70mph | 48m | 72m | 120m |
“At first glance, it seems like drivers are cautious,” said Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist. “They think stopping distances are longer than official guidance – but their behaviour shows they aren’t leaving enough space. This is where most collisions happen: relying on someone else to react in time.”
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The AA’s research also found that 75% of drivers want the Highway Code stopping distances updated to reflect modern vehicles and the distractions drivers face today: from mobile phones to infotainment systems. Young drivers were especially keen, with 90% of 18-24-year-olds calling for a revision.
How are stopping distances calculated?
Stopping distances are made up of two parts: how long it takes you to react, and how long it takes your car to actually stop.
- Thinking distance: this is how far your car travels while your brain notices a hazard and your foot moves to the brake. Distractions, tiredness, or even your phone can make this longer.
- Braking distance: this is how far your car travels once the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. Modern brakes are effective, but speed, road conditions, and tyre quality all affect this.
The total stopping distance is the thinking distance plus the braking distance.
Typical stopping distances, according to the Highway Code, are shown below.
| HC typical distance | Thinking distance | Braking distance | Total distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20mph | 6m | 6m | 12m |
| 30mph | 9m | 14m | 23m |
| 40mph | 12m | 24m | 36m |
| 50mph | 15m | 38m | 53m |
| 60mph | 18m | 55m | 73m |
| 70mph | 21m | 75m | 96m |
Top tips for staying safe on the road
Even if your brakes are top-notch, it’s your reaction time that usually determines whether you avoid a crash, according to multiple scientific studies. Here are some practical things you can do to prevent this:
- Keep at least a two-second gap from the car in front, and even longer in rain and traffic.
- If it feels like you need more room, trust your instincts and back off.
- Stay alert by keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Your reaction time matters more than your brakes.
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