Forces and Braking

What does stopping distance

the sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance

What is the thinking distance

the distance the vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time

What is the braking distance

the distance the vehicle travels under the braking force

What can reaction time be affected by

tiredness, drugs, alcohol, distractions

What is the typical reaction time

ranges from 0.2s to 0.9s

What factors affect braking distance

adverse road, weather conditions, poor conditions of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle

What are adverse road conditions

wet, icy conditions

How does the speed of a vehicle affect the braking distance

the greater the speed, the greater the braking force needed to stop the vehicle

How do breaks work

A force is applied to the brakes, work is done by the friction force between the brakes and the wheel reduces the kinetic energy of the vehicle, this causes the temperature of the brakes to increase

Why are large decelerations dangerous

large decelerations lead to brakes overheating and/or loss of control