When driving, you may be prompted to apply emergency brakes. It may be because of an accident just a few meters ahead or other factors. However, in some instances, the brakes fail to work properly for you. Both thinking distance and braking distance affect the stopping distance of a vehicle. Braking distance means the length that a vehicle travels from the time of application of brakes up to when it stops. However, thinking is the duration that a driver takes to process and react hence applying the brake force.
In this article, we shall elaborate on the significant factors that affect your stopping distance. Moreover, we shall give you an ultimate guide on how to handle the situation and what to avoid.
State of the roads
We have no control over the weather conditions. Slippery roads which drivers often encounter during rainy periods affect the stopping distance. Moreover, ice and snow which accumulate on roads during winter reduce the grip between tires and the road. Tread becomes compacted between the tires hence reducing the effectiveness of the grip. The best measure here involves keeping your car tires in good shape despite the road conditions. Moreover, ensure you drive slowly when the weather conditions change. You should also maintain proper distance with the vehicle ahead.
Driving while under the influence of drugs
You know that as a driver, you should not drink and drive. One should not use drugs such as cannabis sativa and cocaine since they influence the time one takes to process information. While many know that drivers should not drink and drive, the rules do not apply to alcohol only. The remedy lies in educating all drivers to avoid drug driving.
Car brake conditions
The effectiveness of your car brakes affects your stopping distance. Often, the friction material wears down gradually. Consequently, the grooves in the brake disc lead to the loss of stopping power due to overheating. Moisture may accumulate between the brake pads and discs in wet roads or stagnant water. We recommend proper maintenance of car brakes for reduction of stopping distance. Besides, you should pump the brake pedals after driving through deep water to dry the brakes. You should do this while driving slowly.
Vehicle Speed
Braking distance and thinking distance affect your vehicle speed. Driving at high speed will jeopardize your braking distance. Moreover, when driving at high speed and the vehicle carries a heavy load, the stopping distance is affected. We recommend that drivers observe the local speed limits on the roads. Besides, drivers should keep a safe distance from the car ahead.
Tire pressure
The grip of tires and the road play an important role in a vehicle’s stopping distance. The tires should have adequate pressure and in no case should they have the pressure below or above the manufacturer’s recommended value. Besides, over inflation or under inflation of the tires cause irregular wears. Therefore, one will use more money in replacing new tires. The effectiveness of the tires to stop upon application of brakes reduces. We recommend that drivers maintain a regular check of tire pressure. In most cases, a monthly check of the tire pressure works well.
Exhaustion
Drivers may fall asleep behind the wheels when driving on monotonous roads. In such cases, the reaction time of the driver will be affected and decision-making process affected. In some cases, exhaustion of the driver may not lead to sleep but only poor concentration. We recommend that when you feel exhausted while driving, you should park the car and relax for some time before proceeding with the journey. You can also change your driving duties with your co-driver.
Wear and tear in the tires
The tread depth of your car should not go below 1.6mm. Tread depth beyond 1.6mm may affect the safety hence stopping distance of the car. The treads affect a car’s grip on the road. Most new tires have a tread depth of 8mm, but with time they wear out. We recommend drivers to carry out a regular check on tire depths. Moreover, one should not work with the minimum tire depth since the higher the depth, the better for safety.
Quality of tires
The quality of tires affects the stopping distance of a vehicle. You may spend an extra coin in purchasing a premium tire, but you will have a peace of mind. Many tests show that premium tires work better for effective stopping distance and grip. Besides, premium tires come with other advantages which include increased aquaplaning resistance and efficient fuel savings.
Distractions that take drivers’ attention
While driving, nothing should distract the drivers. Instead, the drivers should concentrate throughout the journey. The use of mobile phones or adjustment o satnav by drivers steals the attention. Consequently, the thinking time reduces. Sometimes, drivers would wish to change the radio stations while driving and this could also divert attention. Drivers should concentrate on their main duty and keep watch on the road always for a better driving experience.
Road visibility
The driver’s ability to spot road features and landmarks affect the stopping distance of a vehicle. If a driver takes long to notice a spot on the road, it will also take more time to apply braking force. When driving during winter, many drivers face visibility issues. We advocate that drivers ensure the car windscreen remain clean for clear sight.
When driving, you may be prompted to apply emergency brakes. It may be because of an accident just a few meters ahead or other factors. However, in some instances, the brakes fail to work properly for you. Both thinking distance and braking distance affect the stopping distance of a vehicle. Braking distance means the length that a vehicle travels from the time of application of brakes up to when it stops. However, thinking is the duration that a driver takes to process and react hence applying the brake force.
In this article, we shall elaborate on the significant factors that affect your stopping distance. Moreover, we shall give you an ultimate guide on how to handle the situation and what to avoid.
State of the roads
We have no control over the weather conditions. Slippery roads which drivers often encounter during rainy periods affect the stopping distance. Moreover, ice and snow which accumulate on roads during winter reduce the grip between tires and the road. Tread becomes compacted between the tires hence reducing the effectiveness of the grip. The best measure here involves keeping your car tires in good shape despite the road conditions. Moreover, ensure you drive slowly when the weather conditions change. You should also maintain proper distance with the vehicle ahead.
Driving while under the influence of drugs
You know that as a driver, you should not drink and drive. One should not use drugs such as cannabis sativa and cocaine since they influence the time one takes to process information. While many know that drivers should not drink and drive, the rules do not apply to alcohol only. The remedy lies in educating all drivers to avoid drug driving.
Car brake conditions
The effectiveness of your car brakes affects your stopping distance. Often, the friction material wears down gradually. Consequently, the grooves in the brake disc lead to the loss of stopping power due to overheating. Moisture may accumulate between the brake pads and discs in wet roads or stagnant water. We recommend proper maintenance of car brakes for reduction of stopping distance. Besides, you should pump the brake pedals after driving through deep water to dry the brakes. You should do this while driving slowly.
Vehicle Speed
Braking distance and thinking distance affect your vehicle speed. Driving at high speed will jeopardize your braking distance. Moreover, when driving at high speed and the vehicle carries a heavy load, the stopping distance is affected. We recommend that drivers observe the local speed limits on the roads. Besides, drivers should keep a safe distance from the car ahead.
Tire pressure
The grip of tires and the road play an important role in a vehicle’s stopping distance. The tires should have adequate pressure and in no case should they have the pressure below or above the manufacturer’s recommended value. Besides, over inflation or under inflation of the tires cause irregular wears. Therefore, one will use more money in replacing new tires. The effectiveness of the tires to stop upon application of brakes reduces. We recommend that drivers maintain a regular check of tire pressure. In most cases, a monthly check of the tire pressure works well.
Exhaustion
Drivers may fall asleep behind the wheels when driving on monotonous roads. In such cases, the reaction time of the driver will be affected and decision-making process affected. In some cases, exhaustion of the driver may not lead to sleep but only poor concentration. We recommend that when you feel exhausted while driving, you should park the car and relax for some time before proceeding with the journey. You can also change your driving duties with your co-driver.
Wear and tear in the tires
The tread depth of your car should not go below 1.6mm. Tread depth beyond 1.6mm may affect the safety hence stopping distance of the car. The treads affect a car’s grip on the road. Most new tires have a tread depth of 8mm, but with time they wear out. We recommend drivers to carry out a regular check on tire depths. Moreover, one should not work with the minimum tire depth since the higher the depth, the better for safety.
Quality of tires
The quality of tires affects the stopping distance of a vehicle. You may spend an extra coin in purchasing a premium tire, but you will have a peace of mind. Many tests show that premium tires work better for effective stopping distance and grip. Besides, premium tires come with other advantages which include increased aquaplaning resistance and efficient fuel savings.
Distractions that take drivers’ attention
While driving, nothing should distract the drivers. Instead, the drivers should concentrate throughout the journey. The use of mobile phones or adjustment o satnav by drivers steals the attention. Consequently, the thinking time reduces. Sometimes, drivers would wish to change the radio stations while driving and this could also divert attention. Drivers should concentrate on their main duty and keep watch on the road always for a better driving experience.
Road visibility
The driver’s ability to spot road features and landmarks affect the stopping distance of a vehicle. If a driver takes long to notice a spot on the road, it will also take more time to apply braking force. When driving during winter, many drivers face visibility issues. We advocate that drivers ensure the car windscreen remain clean for clear sight.
