Vehicle Stopping Distance

• What is meant by the stopping distance of a vehicle?

  The stopping distance is the total distance traveled from when the driver first spots an obstruction to when the car stops.
• What are the two parts that make up the stopping distance?

  • Thinking distance: distance traveled during the driver's reaction time
  • Braking distance: distance traveled from when the brakes are applied to when the car stops
• How does the speed of a vehicle affect the stopping distance?

  The stopping distance increases with the speed of the vehicle.
• What is the typical stopping distance for a family car traveling at 30 miles per hour?

  A typical family car takes around 23 metres to stop at 30 miles per hour.
• What is the reaction time in the context of driving?

  The reaction time is the time taken for a driver to respond to an obstruction.
• What is the typical range for a person's reaction time?

  • Typical reaction time ranges between 0.2 seconds and 0.9 seconds.
• How can a person's reaction time be measured?

  By using a ruler drop test to measure the distance fallen before being caught.
• What factors can increase a driver's reaction time?

  Alcohol, drugs, distractions, and fatigue can increase reaction time.
• What factors can affect the braking distance of a vehicle?

  • Wet or icy conditions reduce friction and increase braking distance
  • Worn tires reduce friction and increase braking distance
  • Worn brakes increase braking distance