Arkansas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Practice Test

What does "Total Stopping Distance" consist of?

1. Braking Distance + Reaction Distance

2. Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance

3. Perception Distance + Braking Distance

4. Reaction Distance + Braking Distance

The correct answer is: Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance

The concept of "Total Stopping Distance" is crucial for drivers, particularly those operating commercial vehicles. It encompasses all the distances that are involved in coming to a complete stop from the moment a hazard is recognized. To break it down, "Total Stopping Distance" consists of three distinct components: 1. **Perception Distance**: This is the distance your vehicle travels while you are identifying the situation that requires you to stop. It begins as soon as you notice a potential hazard. 2. **Reaction Distance**: Once you perceive a hazard, there’s a brief moment before you actually take action (like pressing the brake). During this time, the vehicle continues to move forward. 3. **Braking Distance**: After you've reacted and initiated braking, this is the distance it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. Combining these three distances gives you the total distance required to stop: the distance traveled during perception, the distance traveled during reaction, and the distance traveled while braking. This comprehensive view helps drivers understand how quickly they must act and the importance of maintaining safe distances from other vehicles and hazards on the road.