Stopping distances

• What is stopping distance in the context of vehicles?

  It is the minimum distance required to stop a vehicle in an emergency.
• What is the formula for total stopping distance?

  Total stopping distance is equal to the thinking distance plus the braking distance.
• What does thinking distance represent?

  Thinking distance is how far the car travels during the driver's reaction time.
• What factors affect thinking distance?

  The speed of the vehicle and the driver's reaction time affect thinking distance.
• How does increased speed affect thinking distance?

  Higher speed increases the distance traveled before the driver can brake.
• What can increase a person's reaction time?

  Factors like being tired, drunk, on drugs, or distracted can increase reaction time.
• What is braking distance?

  Braking distance is the distance taken to stop under the braking force after brakes are applied.
• What factors affect braking distance?

  The speed and mass of the vehicle, as well as the condition and quality of the brakes, affect braking distance.
• How does the condition of brakes affect braking distance?

  Worn or faulty brakes cannot apply as much pressure, increasing braking distance.
• What role does traction play in braking distance?

  Traction affects how well the tires grip the road, influencing braking distance.
• How do road conditions like wet or icy surfaces affect braking distance?

  Wet or icy roads reduce friction, increasing the likelihood of skidding and braking distance.
• What happens if tires are bald?

  Bald tires cannot grip the road well, increasing braking distance.
• What is the relationship between speed and stopping distance?

  As speed increases, both thinking distance and braking distance increase, but braking distance increases more rapidly.
• How does doubling the speed affect braking distance?

  Doubling the speed increases the braking distance four-fold.
• What happens to braking distance when speed is tripled?

  Tripling the speed increases the braking distance nine-fold.
• What does the graph of total stopping distance against speed look like?

  The graph is not a straight line; it gets steeper as speed increases.
• What is the key takeaway regarding speed and stopping distance?

  Traveling fast significantly increases the time and distance required to stop.