Stopping Distances

• What is stopping distance?

  Minimum distance required 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 factors affect thinking distance?

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

  Higher speed increases thinking distance
• What can increase a driver's reaction time?

  Being tired, drunk, or distracted
• What factors affect braking distance?

  Speed, mass of vehicle, and brake condition
• What is braking distance?

  Distance taken to stop after brakes are applied
• How does speed affect braking distance?

  Higher speed increases braking distance significantly
• 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 is the relationship between speed and total stopping distance?

  • Total stopping distance increases with speed
  • Thinking distance increases proportionally with speed
  • Braking distance increases more rapidly than expected
• What is the key takeaway regarding speed and stopping distance?

  Higher speed leads to longer stopping distances