Stopping distances

• What is the sum of thinking distance and braking distance called?

  Stopping distance
• What is thinking distance?

  The distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to stop.
• What is braking distance?

  The distance a vehicle travels after the driver has applied the brake.
• What is the typical range for a driver's reaction time?

  0.2 s to 0.9 s
• How can tiredness affect a driver's reaction time?

  Tiredness can increase the reaction time, leading to longer thinking distances.
• What is the effect of drugs on reaction time?

  Drugs can impair reaction time, increasing thinking distance.
• What is the effect of alcohol on a driver's reaction time?

  Alcohol is a depressant that can slow down reaction times.
• How do distractions affect stopping distances?

  Distractions can increase reaction times, leading to longer stopping distances.
• What is one simple method to measure reaction times?

  Dropping a ruler between someone's open thumb and forefinger.
• What can increase braking distance?

  Poor road conditions, poor vehicle conditions, and more mass in the vehicle.
• What is work done in the context of braking?

  Work done is the energy required to stop the vehicle, measured in joules (J).
• What is friction in the context of braking?

  Friction opposes movement and converts kinetic energy into heat.
• What happens to kinetic energy when brakes are applied?

  Kinetic energy is reduced, slowing down the vehicle.
• How does speed affect braking force?

  The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the braking force needed to stop it.
• What is deceleration?

  Deceleration is the rate of slowing down or negative acceleration.
• What can happen with large decelerations?

  Large decelerations may cause brakes to overheat and loss of vehicle control.
• What factors affect stopping distances?

  • Driver's reaction time
  • Road and vehicle conditions
  • Mass of the vehicle
  • Speed of the vehicle
• What are the components of stopping distance?

  1. Thinking distance
  2. Braking distance
• What are the effects of poor road conditions on braking distance?

  • Less friction between tyres and road
  • Increased braking distance
• What are the effects of poor vehicle conditions on braking distance?

  • Worn brakes or tyres
  • Less friction between brakes and wheels
  • Increased braking distance
• How does mass affect braking distance?

  • More mass requires greater braking friction
  • Increased braking distance to remove larger kinetic energy
• What happens to the temperature of brakes when a vehicle is stopped?

  • Temperature of brakes increases due to work done by friction
• What is the relationship between speed and braking force?

  • Greater speed requires greater braking force to stop in a certain distance
• What are the consequences of overheating brakes?

  • May cause loss of control of the vehicle
  • Reduced braking efficiency