From 20 mph, a fully loaded pumper must come to rest within how many feet?

• A. 25
• B. 35
• C. 45
• D. 55

Answer: (B)

Stopping distance for a fully loaded pumper at 20 mph is about 35 feet. This distance reflects the two parts of stopping: the reaction distance, which is how far you travel while perceiving the need to stop, and the braking distance, which is how far the vehicle travels after you apply the brakes. Using a typical firefighter reaction time of about 0.5 seconds, the reaction distance is roughly 15 feet (20 mph is about 29.3 feet per second). The braking distance for a heavy apparatus at that speed on dry pavement is around 20 feet. Add them together and you get close to 35 feet. If conditions are worse (wet pavement, incline, heavier load) the distance would be longer; if conditions are better, it could be shorter. The 35-foot figure aligns with standard stopping-distance expectations for a loaded pumper at 20 mph, which is why it’s the best choice.