Which distance is not included in the stopping distance?
2 Answers
Stopping sight distance does not include the starting distance. Stopping sight distance refers to the shortest travel distance required for a vehicle to brake and stop when encountering an obstacle ahead on the same lane. The stopping sight distance can be broken down into three parts for study: reaction distance, braking distance, and safety distance. Relevant information about safe following distance is as follows: 1. Introduction: Safe following distance refers to the necessary gap distance that a following vehicle maintains with the vehicle in front to avoid accidental collisions while driving. Maintaining a safe following distance is the most direct, effective, widespread, and fundamental method to prevent rear-end collisions. 2. Measurement standard: There is no absolute standard for safe following distance, only dynamic standards. The most direct and important factor affecting safe following distance is vehicle speed. When the speed increases, the required braking force, braking distance, and the distance traveled at the original speed during the reaction time all increase accordingly.
After years of driving, I've learned that the stopping distance usually refers to the total distance from when I see a hazard and need to brake until the car comes to a complete stop. This includes both the reaction distance and the braking distance. However, the stopping distance does not include the perception distance, which is the distance the car travels during the time it takes for me to visually recognize the hazard before I actually notice it. For example, while driving on the road, if an obstacle suddenly appears ahead, the perception distance is the distance from when the object appears to when I start thinking about braking. This depends on my level of focus and road conditions. The higher the speed, the longer the perception distance. If I'm distracted by my phone, this distance can double, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. I remember one time on the highway when a car in front of me braked suddenly, and my reaction was a bit slow. Fortunately, there was enough distance between us to avoid a collision. So, when driving daily, staying alert and maintaining good visibility are crucial, as is not driving too fast, to leave enough space for stopping. Developing the habit of observing ahead ensures safety comes first.
