At 55 mph on dry pavement, approximately how much total stopping distance do you need?

At a speed of 55 mph on dry pavement, the total stopping distance is indeed comparable to the length of a football field, which is 300 feet. This total stopping distance consists of two main components: the perception/reaction distance and the braking distance.

When driving at 55 mph, a driver typically takes about 1.5 seconds to perceive a hazard and react to it by applying the brakes. During this reaction time, the vehicle travels about 121 feet. After the brakes are applied, it takes additional time and distance to come to a complete stop, which can be approximately 165 feet, depending on various factors such as road conditions, tire conditions, and the vehicle’s braking system.

When you add these two distances together—121 feet for perception/reaction and 165 feet for braking—you reach roughly 286 feet, which closely approximates the length of a football field. Thus, the total stopping distance at 55 mph on dry pavement is best represented by this choice, reinforcing the need for drivers to maintain a safe following distance and to be aware of their stopping capabilities under different driving conditions.