d) car stopping distances

c) reaction time and thinking distance; braking distance and stopping distance for a vehicle

stopping distance = the total distance travelled from when the driver sees a reason to stop to when the vehicle stops

• stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance

thinking distance = the distance travelled from when the driver sees a reason to stop to when they begin to use the brakes

• thinking distance = speed × reaction time

braking distance = the distance travelled from when the driver begins to use the brakes to when the vehicle stops

factors that affect the stopping distance

• the speed of the vehicle

• the condition of the brakes, tyres, or road

• the weather conditions

• the alertness of the driver