Physics-Stopping distances

Stopping distance

The total stopping distance of a vehicle is the distance covered in the time between the driver first spotting the hazard and the vehicle coming to a complete stop. The total stopping distance is the sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance.

What is the thinking distance?

It is the distance the vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time.

What is the braking distance?

It is the distance the vehicle travels after the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop, as a result of the braking force.

What factors is thinking distance affected by?

* How fast your going
* How quick to respond you are- can be affected by tiredness, drugs, alcohol and lack of concentration.

What factors is braking distance affected by?

* How fast your going
* How good your brakes are
* How good the tyres are
* How good the grip is