Forces and Braking

• What is stopping distance?

  Stopping distance is the distance a vehicle travels to safely come to a stop after the driver has spotted a hazard
• How is stopping distance calculated?

  Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance
• Define thinking distance.


  Thinking distance is the distance the vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time
• Define braking distance.


  Braking distance is the distance the vehicle travels once the brakes have been applied
• List factors affecting thinking distance.

  Factors affecting thinking distance include: speed of the car, tiredness, drugs, alcohol, and distractions
• List factors affecting braking distance.

  Factors affecting braking distance include: speed of the car, road conditions, and conditions of the brakes and tires
• How does vehicle speed affect stopping distance?

  As vehicle speed increases, both thinking distance and braking distance increase, with braking distance increasing more significantly