What term describes the distance traveled from the moment the driver begins transferring foot from the accelerator to the brake until the vehicle stops?

• A. Reaction distance
• B. Braking distance
• C. Total stopping distance
• D. Perception distance

Answer: (C)

Stopping distance is the combined distance the vehicle travels from the moment you start moving your foot toward the brake until it comes to a stop. Since you begin transferring your foot from the accelerator to the brake at the start of the reaction period, the distance covered while you react (reaction distance) plus the distance covered while the brakes are actually applied (braking distance) add up to the total stopping distance. Perception distance happens earlier, from seeing a hazard to deciding to brake, and braking distance occurs after the brakes are applied, so they’re not included in the span defined by starting to move the foot toward braking. Therefore, the term describing this entire distance is total stopping distance.