Final answer:
The condition of a vehicle's tires greatly affects the overall stopping distance, making the statement false. Tire condition influences braking efficiency and a vehicle's grip on the road surface, both of which are critical for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition of a vehicle's tires has a significant effect on the overall stopping distance. This statement is false, as the stopping distance of a police car, or any vehicle, is greatly affected by the condition of its tires. Factors such as tire tread depth and pressure can influence the grip the tires have on the road, which in turn affects braking efficiency and stopping distance. Poor tire conditions can lead to longer stopping distances, which can be critical in emergency situations.
Additionally, the stopping distance of a car is affected by the road conditions, like whether the pavement is dry or wet, and the driver's reaction time. A car traveling at an initial velocity of 30.0 m/s with a reaction time of 0.500 seconds will cover different distances on dry versus wet pavement before coming to a complete stop. It’s also important to note that the vehicle’s final velocity, rate of deceleration, and other factors like mass and distribution of weight play a role in stopping distance.
Understanding the physics behind stopping distance and the importance of tire condition is crucial for safe driving practices and can be a critical factor when it comes to avoiding accidents.