What is the total breaking distance composed of?

The total braking distance is defined as the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver perceives a need to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This distance is comprised of two critical components: reaction distance and braking distance.

Reaction distance is the distance a vehicle covers during the driver's reaction time to initiate braking after realizing an emergency or stopping need. It varies based on how quickly a driver reacts to a situation. Braking distance, on the other hand, is the distance the vehicle travels from the time the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. This distance is influenced by various factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and vehicle weight.

Understanding that the total braking distance includes both the distance traveled during the driver’s reaction and the distance required to fully stop the vehicle highlights the importance of these two components in driving safety.