The distance a vehicle takes to stop is split into two parts: Thinking Distance and Braking distance.
Thinking time is defined as the time it takes from seeing a need to stop and actually applying the brakes. The thinking distance is the amount of ground covered in this time.
Braking time is defined as the amount of time it takes to stop once the brakes have been applied. The braking distance is the amount of ground covered with the brakes on.
The bigger the mass of a vehicle, the __________ the braking distance is, ie a lorry takes __________ to stop than a car.
The bigger the applied braking force, the __________ the braking distance is, unless it causes __________.
The braking distance and the thinking distance are both decreased when the speed of the vehicle is __________, hence the emphasis put on speed limits.
Braking distance also depends on the condition of the vehicle (eg worn brakes) and weather / road conditions. Even whether the road is on a __________.
Thinking time is affected by the driver's reaction time which is affected by, amongst other things, __________, __________ and __________.
In the highway code (which you will be tested on for your driving license) the following typical figures are given.
These are only typical minimum stopping distances, it may take far longer to stop as discussed above.
A good rule of thumb is 'the two second rule'. This states that you should always be at least 2 seconds behind the car in front, 4 seconds in poor weather.