Stopping distance includes reaction distance and braking distance.

Stopping distance includes reaction distance and braking distance.

• A. False
• B. Not always
• C. True
• D. Only at high speeds

Answer: (C)

Stopping distance is the total distance a vehicle travels from the moment you notice a hazard until you come to a complete stop. It’s made up of two parts: reaction distance, which is the distance the car covers while you react to the hazard (the time it takes for your brain and body to start braking), and braking distance, which is the distance the car travels after you apply the brakes until it stops. Because the overall stopping distance is the sum of those two parts, the statement is true. Remember that both parts change with speed and conditions. Higher speeds make reaction distance longer and braking distance longer too, and factors like road surface, weather, and tire condition can increase braking distance. So the total stopping distance grows with speed and varies with conditions, but it always consists of those two components.

Stopping distance is the total distance a vehicle travels from the moment you notice a hazard until you come to a complete stop. It’s made up of two parts: reaction distance, which is the distance the car covers while you react to the hazard (the time it takes for your brain and body to start braking), and braking distance, which is the distance the car travels after you apply the brakes until it stops. Because the overall stopping distance is the sum of those two parts, the statement is true.

Remember that both parts change with speed and conditions. Higher speeds make reaction distance longer and braking distance longer too, and factors like road surface, weather, and tire condition can increase braking distance. So the total stopping distance grows with speed and varies with conditions, but it always consists of those two components.