A vehicle's stopping distance is equal to:

The stopping distance of a vehicle is the total distance it covers from the moment the driver perceives a need to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This distance is influenced by two main components: reaction distance and braking distance.

Reaction distance refers to the distance your vehicle travels during the time it takes for you to recognize the need to stop and for your foot to move from the accelerator to the brake pedal. This duration is affected by your reaction time, which can vary based on various factors such as alertness and distractions.

Braking distance is the distance your vehicle travels while it is slowing down and coming to a stop after the brakes have been applied. This distance is influenced by factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and the efficiency of the braking system.

By combining both the reaction distance and the braking distance, you obtain the total stopping distance, which is essential for safe driving and ensuring an adequate distance is maintained from vehicles or obstacles ahead. Thus, the correct understanding of stopping distance in relation to these two components is critical for safe driving practices.