Reaction distance is defined as what?

• A. The distance traveled during braking distance
• B. The distance traveled during reaction time
• C. The final stopping distance
• D. The distance to the point of impact

Answer: (B)

Reaction distance is the distance your vehicle travels from the moment you perceive a hazard to the moment you start braking. It depends on your speed and your reaction time. In practical terms, distance equals speed multiplied by reaction time, so faster speed or longer reaction time increases this distance. For example, at 60 mph with a 1-second reaction time, you cover about 88 feet before you begin braking. After this, braking distance adds more distance until you stop, and the sum of reaction distance and braking distance is the final stopping distance.