Which of these factors has a direct impact on the total stopping distance of a passenger car?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
C. The reaction time of the vehicle driver.
Explanation
The total stopping distance is the distance travelled during the driver's reaction time plus the braking distance. Reaction time (C) has a direct effect on it: at 50 km/h, during one second of reaction, the car travels about 14 m before you even start braking. Tiredness, alcohol, a phone in your hand or a conversation make this time longer, and with it the whole stopping distance.
The amount of fuel (A) changes the mass of the car by a few dozen kilograms and has no practical significance, and the condition of the steering system (B) affects handling, not braking. The Road Traffic Act requires you to keep the distance needed to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front brakes - this distance must take your reaction time into account.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 2 point 3 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)