Stopping Distances

What is the stopping distance?

It is distance from where the driver detects the danger to when the vehicle (car) stops by applying force to the brakes. 

Stopping Distance = Thinking Distance + Braking distance 

What is a Thinking Distance?

It is the distance from when the driver knows of the danger till they press on the brakes. 

What is the Braking Distance? 

The Braking Distance is the distance from when the driver presses the brakes till the vehicle comes to a total stop. 

What are the factors (things) that affect the Thinking Distance?

• How fast you're going - the faster you are,the further you will travel in a specific time.
• Reaction time - how quick you can respond - the longer it takes for you to respond, the further the vehicle will carry on to travel therefore increasing the stopping distance. 

What are the things that affect the Braking Distance?

• How fast you're going
• How good the brakes are
• How good the tyres are 
• How good the grip is