Final answer:
The ability to stop a vehicle is affected by road conditions, vehicle speed, driver alertness, and the weight of the vehicle being followed. The factors that influence stopping distance include the initial distance, braking distance, and total stopping distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to stop a vehicle is affected by several factors including road conditions, vehicle speed, driver alertness, and the weight of the vehicle being followed. When it comes to stopping a vehicle, there are three important factors to consider:
- The initial distance: This is the distance the driver covers before hitting the brakes. It depends on the driver's reaction time and the visibility of the situation.
- The braking distance: This is the distance it takes for the vehicle to come to a complete stop after hitting the brakes. It depends on the friction between the tires and the road surface, which is affected by the road conditions (dry or wet) and the weight of the vehicle being stopped.
- The total stopping distance: This is the sum of the initial distance and the braking distance. It represents the overall distance the vehicle covers before coming to a stop.