Final answer:
New drivers often fail to ease up on the brake pedal as they stop, causing the car to jolt due to an abrupt shift from kinetic to static friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common mistake that new drivers make while stopping is not easing up on the brake pedal as the car comes to a stop, resulting in the car stopping with a jolt. This mistake can be explained by understanding the distinction between static and kinetic friction. When a car is moving, kinetic friction is at work between the tires and the road. If the brakes are applied too abruptly, the kinetic friction can cause the tires to lock and skid, leading to less control and a longer stopping distance.
However, as the car slows down and nears a stop, easing up on the brake allows the static friction to take over smoothly, affording greater control and a smoother stop. The correct application of brakes, therefore, requires a balance between these two types of friction, avoiding abrupt stops that can be jarring or even unsafe.
Understanding the relationship between static and kinetic friction is also significant when considering factors like road conditions and reaction time. On wet pavement, for example, kinetic friction is reduced, which can lead to longer braking distances. Additionally, a driver's reaction time adds to the total stopping distance. To minimize the risk, new drivers should practice gradual braking and anticipate the need to stop well ahead of time, thereby allowing for appropriate deceleration.