Stopping (and estimating stopping distances)
I can describe the factors that affect stopping distance and explain the effect of each one.
Stopping (and estimating stopping distances)
I can describe the factors that affect stopping distance and explain the effect of each one.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Stopping distance is the distance travelled both as a drive reacts and then for the brakes to bring a vehicle to a stop
- Reaction time of a drive can be affected by tiredness, drugs, alcohol or distractions
- Braking distance can be affected by adverse road and weather conditions and the condition of the vehicle
- When braking, work is done on the brakes that heats them up
- If brakes overheat they can stop working effectively and lead to a loss of control
Keywords
Reaction time - for driving is the time between noticing a hazard and taking an action to deal with it
Thinking distance - is the distance a vehicle travels while a driver reacts; the vehicle does not slow during this time
Braking distance - is the distance a vehicle travels between the brakes being applied and the vehicle coming to a stop
Stopping distance - is the sum of the thinking and braking distances
Common misconception
Pupils often forget to include thinking distance in the overall stopping distance, or imagine that thinking distance is too short to matter.
Model a situation in which a child steps out from behind a parked car 10 m in front of a driver. At 20 mph the thinking distance is about 6 m and braking distance 6 m; at 30 mph these are 9 m and 14 m.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Stopping (and estimating stopping distances), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Stopping (and estimating stopping distances), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Forces make things change unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
reaction time -
time between noticing a hazard and taking an action to deal with it
thinking distance -
distance a vehicle travels during the time a driver takes to react
braking distance -
distance a vehicle travels before stopping after brakes are pressed
stopping distance -
sum of the thinking and braking distances