Stopping distance equals which components?

Stopping distance equals which components?

• A. Braking distance only
• B. Driver decision distance only
• C. Driver decision distance + braking distance
• D. Time to stop

Answer: (C)

Stopping distance is the total distance your vehicle travels from the moment you first notice a hazard until it comes to a stop. It’s made up of two parts: the driver decision distance, which is the distance traveled while you notice the hazard and decide to brake, and the braking distance, which is the distance traveled after you start braking until you stop. The driver decision distance depends on your reaction time and your speed—the faster you’re going, the farther you travel before braking begins. The braking distance depends on speed plus factors like road conditions, tire grip, braking system efficiency, and whether you’re on a slope. Time to stop isn’t a distance, but it’s tied to these two components. So the total stopping distance equals the driver decision distance plus the braking distance.

Stopping distance is the total distance your vehicle travels from the moment you first notice a hazard until it comes to a stop. It’s made up of two parts: the driver decision distance, which is the distance traveled while you notice the hazard and decide to brake, and the braking distance, which is the distance traveled after you start braking until you stop. The driver decision distance depends on your reaction time and your speed—the faster you’re going, the farther you travel before braking begins. The braking distance depends on speed plus factors like road conditions, tire grip, braking system efficiency, and whether you’re on a slope. Time to stop isn’t a distance, but it’s tied to these two components. So the total stopping distance equals the driver decision distance plus the braking distance.