Key Stage 4
Meaning
Stopping distance is the distance a vehicle travels between the driver noticing a hazard and coming to a stop.
About Stopping Distance
Stopping distance is made of two parts:
- Thinking Distance - The distance travelled by the vehicle between noticing a hazard and putting the foot on the brakes.
- Braking Distance - The distance travelled once the vehicle has applied the brakes.
Stopping Distance = Thinking Distance + Braking Distance
Stopping distance depends on:
- The speed of the vehicle - The greater the speed the larger the stopping distance.
- The reaction time of the driver - The longer the reaction time the longer the thinking distance and therefore stopping distance.
- The conditions of the road and tyres - The less friction between the road and tyres the longer the braking distance and therefore stopping distance.