Understanding Stopping Distances in Forces

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects a driver's thinking (reaction) distance?

• The speed of the vehicle

• The condition of the road surface

• The driver's level of tiredness

• The use of drugs or alcohol

If a car is travelling at 20 m/s and the driver's reaction time is 0.7 seconds, what is the reaction distance?

• 10 metres

• 14 metres

• 20 metres

• 28 metres

Which of the following would increase a driver's thinking distance?

• The driver is fully alert

• The driver is distracted by their mobile phone

• The car has new tyres

• The road is dry

Which of the following would increase the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

• Dry road conditions

• New tyres with good tread

• Icy road surface

• Alert driver

A car is travelling at 15 m/s. If the driver's reaction time is 0.8 seconds, what is the reaction distance?

• 10 metres

• 12 metres

• 15 metres

• 18 metres

Which of the following statements about braking distance is correct?

• Braking distance decreases as speed increases

• Braking distance is not affected by the condition of the brakes

• Braking distance increases as the mass of the vehicle increases

• Braking distance is only affected by the driver's reaction time

If a car's total stopping distance at 30 mph is 23 metres, and the thinking distance is 9 metres, what is the braking distance?

• 14 metres

• 32 metres

• 9 metres

• 23 metres

Which of the following would NOT affect a driver's reaction time?

• Consuming alcohol

• Using a mobile phone

• Worn brake pads

• Being tired

On a wet road, how does the stopping distance compare to that on a dry road?

• It is shorter

• It is the same

• It is longer

• It is unpredictable

Which of the following best describes the total stopping distance?

• The distance travelled while the brakes are applied

• The distance travelled during the driver's reaction time

• The sum of the thinking distance and braking distance

• The distance from the start of braking to a complete stop