1.2 Factors affecting stopping distance

Vehicle speed

• The greater the speed, the greater the vehicle's braking distance will be

• This is because the brakes will need to do more work to bring the vehicle to a stop

Vehicle mass

• The more massive the vehicle, the more distance it will travel as it comes to a stop

Road conditions

• Wet or icy roads make the brakes less effective and the vehicle travels further as it comes to a stop

Driver reaction time

• Thinking distance is increased if the driver is distracted, for example by a phone, satnav, radio or a person

• Thinking distance is increased if the driver is tired, on certain types of medication, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs