Stopping distances

• What is stopping distance?

  Minimum distance to stop a vehicle
• What is the formula for total stopping distance?

  Total stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance
• What does thinking distance represent?

  Distance traveled during driver's reaction time
• What affects thinking distance?

  Speed of the vehicle and reaction time
• How does speed affect thinking distance?

  Higher speed increases thinking distance
• What factors can increase reaction time?

  Tiredness, drugs, distractions
• What is braking distance?

  Distance taken to stop after brakes applied
• What factors affect braking distance?

  Speed, mass of the vehicle, brake condition
• How does speed affect braking distance?

  Higher speed increases braking distance
• What happens to kinetic energy as speed increases?

  Kinetic energy increases with speed
• How do worn brakes affect stopping distance?

  Worn brakes reduce stopping power
• What role does traction play in stopping distance?

  Traction affects grip between tires and road
• How do wet or icy roads affect stopping distance?

  They reduce friction, increasing stopping distance
• What happens to braking distance when speed doubles?

  Braking distance increases four-fold
• What happens to braking distance when speed triples?

  Braking distance increases nine-fold
• What are the components of stopping distance and their effects?

  • Thinking Distance:
  • Affected by speed and reaction time
  • Increases with decreased alertness
  • Braking Distance:
  • Affected by speed, mass, brake condition
  • Increases with speed and poor traction
• What does a graph of total stopping distance against speed look like?

  It gets steeper as speed increases
• Why is it important to understand stopping distances when driving?

  To anticipate longer stopping times at high speeds
• What is the key takeaway regarding speed and stopping distance?

  Higher speed means longer stopping distance