Key learning points

1. Stopping distance is the distance travelled, both as a driver reacts and as the brakes to bring a vehicle to a stop.
2. The reaction time of a driver can be affected by tiredness, drugs, alcohol or distractions.
3. The braking distance can be affected by adverse road and weather conditions and the condition of the vehicle.
4. When braking, work is done on the brakes that heats them up.
5. If brakes overheat they can stop working effectively and lead to a loss of control.

Keywords

• Reaction time - for driving is the time between noticing a hazard and taking an action to deal with it

• Thinking distance - is the distance a vehicle travels while a driver reacts; the vehicle does not slow during this time

• Braking distance - is the distance a vehicle travels between the brakes being applied and the vehicle coming to a stop

• Stopping distance - is the sum of the thinking and braking distances

Common misconception