Stopping distances

Question 1

Define the term stopping distance

Answer 1

The distance a vehicle travels to safely come to a stop after the driver has spotted a hazard

Question 2

Define the term thinking distance

Answer 2

The distance the vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time

Question 3

Define the term reaction time

Answer 3

The time taken to respond to a stimulus Or Hazard

Question 4

Define the term breaking distance

Answer 4

The distance The vehicle travels once the brakes have been applied

Question 5

State the relationship between stopping distance thinking distance and braking distance

Answer 5

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance

Question 6

Describe the effect an increased speed has on the stopping distance

Answer 6

Increasing speed increases the thinking distance and the braking distance, so the stopping distance increases, Distance = speed x time

Question 7

State some factors that can affect the braking distance of a vehicle

Answer 7

Speed, road conditions, conditions of tyres and brakes, weather

Question 8

State some factors that can affect the thinking distance of a vehicle and it’s driver

Answer 8

Tiredness, alcohol, drugs, Age, Distractions

Question 9

Explain why the temperature of a vehicles brakes increases when the brakes are applied

Answer 9

Work done by the frictional force between the brakes and the wheels transfers energy from the kinetic energy store of the car to the thermal energy store of the brakes

Question 10

Describe what can happen if the braking Force used to stop a vehicle is very large

Answer 10

The brakes may overheat the car may skid