Final answer:
Stopping distances in Colorado take into account the distance travelled before braking, the stopping time post-braking, and the overall distance from the perception of a hazard to a complete stop which varies by reaction time and road conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When contemplating stopping distances in Colorado law, we consider three critical factors. These factors impact the total stopping distance of a vehicle, which includes the time and distance a driver covers before hitting the brakes, how long it takes the vehicle to stop after brake application, and the total distance the vehicle covers from the point where the driver first perceives the need to stop to when the vehicle comes to a complete halt.
For example, suppose a car has an initial velocity of 30.0 m/s and a driver reaction time of 0.500 seconds. In this case, the stopping distance will vary depending on road conditions, such as dry or wet pavement. The distance the car travels during the driver's reaction time (before hitting the brakes) adds to the braking distance (the distance covered from the moment brakes are applied until the vehicle stops).
Considering questions like how far away a car should be before it is safe to cross a road or how many car-lengths that distance represents can also be informed by understanding stopping distances.