ifz study reveals motorcyclists misjudge emergency braking distances

A study by the ifz motorcycle research institute has revealed that a significant number of motorcyclists misjudge their actual braking distance during emergency situations. Testing conducted at the ADAC proving ground in Recklinghausen involved 50 riders performing over 200 emergency braking maneuvers.

The results indicate that between 46% and 54% of participants stopped at a greater distance than they had estimated, with the error margin increasing as speed increases. Research lead André Lang noted that 58% of participants rely primarily on intuition or feeling to estimate their stopping distance, which can be a dangerous basis for decision-making in critical moments.

The study also found that many riders overestimate their stopping distance—for example, believing a 50-meter distance is actually 30 meters—which can lead to dangerous misconceptions regarding safe following distances. Notably, increased driving experience or age did not guarantee more accurate estimations. However, the research suggests that regular emergency braking practice and a thorough understanding of one's braking system can significantly improve safety and reduce stopping distances.