Speed vs Pedestrian Safety

Impact speed depends on reaction time and road grip — not just your cruising speed.

25 mph
Vehicle speed when the pedestrian becomes visible
02040608090 mph
100 ft
How far away the pedestrian is when the driver first notices them

Distance to Full Stop

Reaction
Braking
Total

Impact Energy

vs 20 mph
≈ falling from

Pedestrian (at impact speed)

Fatality risk
Severe injury
Survival

Collision Timeline

Where the vehicle is when it reacts, brakes, and (if it doesn't stop in time) reaches the pedestrian.

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🚶
Reaction
Braking
Pedestrian
Full stop distance vs 25 mph residential
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