Final answer:
The three factors to keep in mind for breaking distance are the distance covered before hitting the brakes, the vehicle's deceleration after braking, and the total distance to stop, which is the sum of the preceding distances.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the factors that affect breaking distance, it's important to keep in mind three key factors:
- The distance the driver covers before hitting the brakes, which is related to the driver's reaction time.
- How long it takes the vehicle to stop after hitting the brakes, which is influenced by the car's acceleration (or deceleration) and the initial speed.
- The total distance the vehicle covers to stop, which includes the distance traveled during the driver's reaction time plus the braking distance.
Reaction time plays a critical role as it determines how quickly the driver can respond to a situation before the brakes are applied. Once the brakes are engaged, factors such as road conditions, tire quality, and vehicle maintenance will influence the stopping distance. It's essential to consider all these factors to estimate a safe following distance and determine when it's safe to cross the street or drive in certain conditions.