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 two main factors affect 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, brake condition, traction
• How does speed affect kinetic energy in a vehicle?

  Higher speed increases kinetic energy
• What happens if brakes are worn or faulty?

  They apply less pressure, increasing stopping distance
• How does road condition affect stopping distance?

  Wet or icy roads reduce traction
• What is the effect of bald tires on stopping distance?

  Bald tires reduce grip on the road
• What is the relationship between speed and stopping distance?

  • Thinking distance increases proportionally with speed
  • Braking distance increases more quickly than expected
  • Doubling speed increases braking distance four-fold
  • Tripling speed increases braking distance nine-fold
• What does the graph of total stopping distance against speed look like?

  It gets steeper as speed increases
• What is the take-home message regarding speed and stopping distance?

  Higher speed means longer stopping distance