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 is braking distance?

  Distance taken to stop after brakes are applied
• What factors affect braking distance?

  Speed, mass of vehicle, and brake condition
• How does speed affect braking distance?

  Higher speed increases braking distance significantly
• What happens to braking distance if speed is doubled?

  Braking distance increases four-fold
• What happens to braking distance if speed is tripled?

  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
  • Braking distance increases more rapidly
• What does a graph of total stopping distance against speed look like?

  It gets steeper as speed increases
• Why is it important to understand stopping distances when driving?

  To anticipate how long it takes to stop
• What are the key factors affecting vehicle stopping distance?

  • Thinking distance: speed and reaction time
  • Braking distance: speed, mass, brake condition
  • Traction: road conditions and tire quality