Stopping Distances And Reaction Times Flashcards
What is the formula for Stopping Distance?
Stopping Distance = Thinking Distance + Braking Distance
This formula shows the total distance a vehicle travels before coming to a complete stop.
What factors affect Thinking Distance?
- Your reaction time
- Your speed
Reaction time can be influenced by tiredness, alcohol, drugs, and distractions.
What is Braking Distance?
The distance taken to stop once the brakes have been applied
Braking distance is influenced by speed, mass of the car, condition of the brakes, and friction between tires and the road.
List the factors affecting Braking Distance.
- Your speed
- The mass of the car
- The condition of the brakes
- The friction between tires and the road
For example, a heavier car or poor tire conditions can increase braking distance.
Fill in the blank: The faster you’re going, the ________ you’ll travel during your reaction time.
further
True or False: A car full of people and luggage will stop as quickly as an empty car.
False
How does bad weather affect stopping distances?
It can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances due to factors like ice or wet roads
For example, leaves on the road can reduce grip, affecting braking distance.
What is the Ruler Drop Experiment used to measure?
Reaction times
This experiment involves catching a ruler dropped without warning to assess how quickly a person can react.
Describe the procedure of the Ruler Drop Experiment.
- Sit with arm on table
- Hold ruler between thumb and forefinger
- Drop ruler without warning
- Catch ruler and measure distance fallen
- Calculate reaction time
Ensure to repeat the experiment for accuracy.
What is a typical reaction time for the Ruler Drop Experiment?
Around 9.2-0.6 seconds
However, real-life reaction times, such as while driving, are typically longer.
Fill in the blank: An alert driver typically has a reaction time of about ________ seconds.
1
What is one major consequence of reduced visibility while driving?
Increased stopping distance due to difficulty noticing hazards
For instance, fog can impair a driver’s ability to see obstacles.
