How do you estimate stopping distance?

When estimating stopping distance, the correct choice emphasizes the importance of several factors including the length of the vehicle and the speed at which it is traveling. Stopping distance is influenced by reaction time, vehicle speed, and vehicle characteristics.

The option that indicates "1 second per 10' of vehicle length, plus 1 second if over 40 mph" takes into account both the size of the vehicle and the impact of speed on stopping distance. Generally, larger vehicles require more time to stop due to their mass. By stating that you should add an additional second to the stopping distance if you are traveling over 40 mph, it reflects the principle that higher speeds require longer stopping distances to safely come to a halt. This method provides a more accurate way to estimate stopping distance, considering both the physical dimensions of the vehicle and the increased speed.

The other choices do not adequately reflect the relationship between vehicle length and speed in the context of stopping distances, making them less effective for practical application in real-world driving scenarios.